Prepare your home for winter: Virginia Natural Gas shares essential energy-saving tips

Simple DIY measures can enhance energy efficiency and reduce heating costs this winter

Virginia Beach, VA. – September 10, 2024 - As the winter season approaches, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) is encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. When temperatures drop, we typically turn up our thermostats. By implementing simple and cost-effective DIY tips, customers can conserve energy and save money on their heating bills.

Virginia Natural Gas is dedicated to empowering customers with practical solutions to enhance home energy efficiency. Our comprehensive resources and expert advice are designed to help you prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

"We want our customers to understand that conserving energy not only benefits the environment but also translates to significant savings on their energy bills," said Robert Duvall, President and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas. "By taking a few precautionary measures now, homeowners can ensure their homes are more energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the winter season."

Pre-season actions to take around your home: While natural gas remains the best value for heating needs, costs typically increase in the winter as heating systems work harder and run more frequently to keep you comfortable. To help manage winter heating bills, VNG recommends weatherizing your home and following these energy-saving tips:

• Schedule HVAC equipment check-ups: Keep your equipment running at peak efficiency with regular maintenance. Rebates are available through VNG for those looking to upgrade or replace their equipment. Need a qualified natural gas contractor?  Visit virginianaturalgas.com/contractor.
• Install a SMART/WI-FI enabled thermostat: Better control the temperature in your home while you are away. Rebates are available for these devices as well. Visit virginianaturalgas.com/rebates for details.
• Clean and replace furnace filters: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure your system runs smoothly.
• Weatherize your home: Use weatherstripping on doors and windows and add insulation in the attic. Take our free online home energy audit and request a free energy-savings kit. Visit virginianaturalgas.com/audit to get started.
• Remember: Saving energy saves money

Gas prices fluctuate, but your Virginia Natural Gas bill doesn't have to. Simplify your budget and pay the same set amount each month for your natural gas usage with our Budget Plan, which helps you avoid unpredictable bills by evening out seasonal highs and lows. To enroll, you must be current on your natural gas bill, and you can start the process by visiting My Account online or calling us at 866.229.3578.

About Virginia Natural Gas

Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, consistently ranking in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and 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.