Energy Conservation

Follow these tips to help reduce your energy use:

Water Heater

• Lower the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Check your owner's manual if you have a dishwasher. Certain model dishwashers require a higher temperature to clean effectively.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Install low volume showerheads and faucets if you have an older home. Newer homes are required to have these restricted flow devices as part of the building code.
• Install a water heater insulation wrap around the sides of the water heater. Never put insulation on the top of the heater or near the bottom.
• Use the proper water level setting on your clothes washer for the size load of clothes. This helps save on your water bill too.

Clothes Dryer

• Separate heavier clothes (towels, heavy cottons) from the lightweight fabrics (synthetics) for more efficient drying.
• Only do full loads, but be sure not to overload the dryer.
• Select the proper setting and time for the type and size load.
• Clean the lint filter before every load. Refer to your owner's manual.
• Don't add wet clothes during the drying cycle.
• Don't over-dry clothes. Use the automatic moisture control if your dryer has one, or select the appropriate amount of time on the automatic timer.
• Be sure the outside vent is free of any obstructions and the vent cover fully opens when the dryer is in use.

Cooking

• Cover pots and pans with lids when cooking.
• Cook food at high heat to bring to temperature then reduce to complete cooking.
• Adjust the flame to fit the bottom of the pot or pan. Turning up the flame beyond the bottom only wastes energy.
• Keep burner surfaces clean.

Heating

• Add insulation to the attic.
• Lower the thermostat when no one is home.
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature each day.
• Clean or replace all filters at least once per month.
• Have the system inspected and maintained regularly.
• Keep all heating and return vents free of all obstructions for proper air flow.
  

For more information:
American Gas Association: http://www.aga.org/
National Association of Home Builders: http://www.nahb.org/
U.S. Department of Energy: http://www.eren.doe.gov/

Home Weatherization Assistance Program Are your energy bills a burden? You may qualify for the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program. We're proud to team with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to ease the impact of high home energy bills.

To learn if you qualify, call the hotline for your area

• Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, Virginia Beach - 757-858-1397
• James City County, Newport News, York - 757-229-9332
• Charles City, Hanover, New Kent - 804-223-2827
• Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews - 804-758-2386