VIRGINIA
BEACH, Va., June 21,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures and humidity
start to rise this summer, the Energy Efficiency Program from
Virginia Natural Gas is providing tips and tools to help customers
save energy and money – all while keeping it cool.
High temperatures bring higher energy usage, which can translate
into higher bills. Here are some simple tips that can help energy
users manage their bills and save money.
- Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes
an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy.
- Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting.
The smaller the difference between the inside and outside
temperatures, the lower your energy usage, and the bill will
be.
- Find and seal leaks. Be sure to check for air leaks or
gaps around walls, ceilings, windows, doors, switches and outlets.
Sealing leaks helps keep the cool air in, and the warm air
out.
- Maintain your HVAC system. A well-maintained cooling
system runs more efficiently. A complete tune-up of your HVAC
system is a worthwhile investment and can reduce monthly energy
bills.
- Close blinds, drapes, and curtains during the hottest
part of the day. Keeping your blinds, drapes, and curtains closed
will help prevent the sun's rays from heating your house.
- Use a ceiling fan in occupied rooms to supplement your
air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a
counterclockwise direction to push cool air down into living
spaces. Only use ceiling fans in rooms that are occupied. Remember
– fans cool people, not things.
- Grill outdoors. Using your electric oven and stovetop
creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the
grill outdoors or preparing meals that don't require cooking.
- Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights
when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air
conditioning system to work harder.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Simply lowering
the thermostat on your hot water heater can have a significant
effect on your energy bill. Take shorter showers instead of baths
and use low-flow showerheads for additional savings.
- Clean your dryer's lint filter after every use to
ensure more efficient drying and do not overload it or add wet
clothes mid-cycle.
- Even out the seasonal highs and lows of your bill with a
Budget Plan. At VNG, we'll calculate your predicted natural gas
usage and estimate an average monthly payment so you can better
balance your budget. Each quarter we'll perform an actual usage
review to determine any adjustments (higher or lower) to your
monthly bill amounts.
For more energy savings tips and ways to save, visit
virginianaturalgas.com/energyefficiency.
About Virginia Natural Gas Virginia Natural Gas is
one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company
Gas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO).
Virginia Natural Gas provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable
natural gas service to more than 300,000 residential, commercial
and industrial customers in southeast Virginia. Consistently ranked in the top
quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates,
the company also has been recognized by the Virginia Department of
Energy (Virginia Energy) and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association
for its safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, community
outreach and educational programs, and has been named Local
Distribution Company of the Year five times since 2015. The company
has been ranked by its business customers as one of the most
Trusted Business Partners in the utility industry according to
Cogent Reports, and a Top Workplaces in Hampton Roads by Inside Business. For more
information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect
with the company on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.
About Southern Company Gas Southern Company Gas is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO),
America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves
approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its
regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately
600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural
gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate
pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage
facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Virginia Natural Gas