Increased energy demands are impacting our regions air quality. To help reduce energy consumption, you can change a few ways that you use energy in your home by adopting the following practices: 

• Turn off lights when no one is in the room.
• Install energy efficient light bulbs that have received the Energy Star rating.
• Keep air vents clear of furniture and paper. Additional energy up to 25 percent can be required to distribute air when vents are blocked.
• Find and seal air leaks in your home to keep out hot or cold air.
• Install a programmable thermostat to reduce energy use when no one is home.
• In the winter, open south facing blinds to allow sunlight to provide natural heating and close blinds at night to reduce heat loss.
• Turn off and unplug printers, copiers, fax machines, cell phone battery chargers, power adapters and appliances when they are not in use.
• Turn off computers and monitors when not in use.
• Choose Energy Star rated appliances and electronics when available.
• Limit use of paper and plastic products and use reusable products to reduce the amount of waste that has to be transported to the landfill.
• Carpool or walk to work if possible.
• Check your tire pressure as fuel efficiency is reduced if your car tires have low pressure.
• Install energy efficient light bulbs that have received the Energy Star rating. For information on compact fluorescent bulbs and proper disposal visit Energy Star.

For more information, go to:

• Energy Star
• Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency
• Energy Savers Guide
• Virginia Energy Sense