Tips for Saving Money and Energy

The energy choices you make are important. They affect the environment, certainly. They also affect how comfortable you are in your own home and how much money you spend. If you’re using natural gas today, you’ve already made a good choice for the environment, your home and your finances.

Conservation Tips

Below you'll find a variety of tips to save money and energy. Be sure to check out our current rebates and weatherization kits. Remember, it's important to use a highly qualified contractor when installing appliances, working around natural gas lines. Use our Find a Contractor tool here to search Virginia Natural Gas pre-qualified contractors for your needs.

Heating Your Home

Install a programmable thermostat
Keep your heating system tuned-up and clean
Improve your home's insulation
Seal air leaks
Upgrade your old heating equipment
Clean or replace your furnace filters every 1-3 months
Weatherstrip windows and doors
Block drafts of cold air
Close fireplace dampers when not in use

Water Heating

Set your water heater to 120 degrees
Take 5-minute showers
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
Insulate water heater pipes
Turn your water heater off or down when you're away
Choose an ENERGY STAR water heater

Cooking and Baking

Try not to preheat your oven
Place lids tightly on pans when cooking
Keep your oven and burners clean
Use glass or ceramic pans when cooking in your oven
Keep the oven door closed while baking
Never use the gas range for room heating
Cook extras and refrigerate or freeze the leftovers
Barbeque or grill in the summer as much as possible

Clothes Drying

Clean the lint filter
Replace leaky exhaust terminals
Check the outside dryer exhaust terminal
Avoid overloading the dryer

Pools and Spas

Cover your pool and spa when not in use
Schedule an annual inspection of your heat exchanger
Don't over-clean
Set pool filtering and cleaning systems on timers

Learn even more ways to save

Glossary

Want to know what 'BTU' stands for or what defines a 'greenhouse gas'?

View Our Glossary of Energy Efficiency Terms

Are your natural gas-fueled appliances ready for change of season?

It is an excellent time to inspect appliances and schedule routine maintenance. As your natural gas needs change with the seasons, keep these tips in mind.

Your checklist:

Hire a qualified specialist to inspect your furnace’s emergency shut-offs, controls and vents
Clear all heating systems of flammable materials or debris that might have accumulated during the summer
Check your vents for obstructions
Replace air filters
Lower your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Don't do this: