Chester, VA – Just in time for National Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, Columbia Gas of Virginia is reminding customers that taking small steps now to make changes around their homes could help them save on energy bills as temperatures get colder.
“We know that our customers are looking for ways to cut energy costs right now, and we recommend they take advantage of our energy efficiency programs,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We want to make sure they stay safe and warm this winter, while also using energy more efficiently. We have a variety of options to help customers achieve these goals.”
Available Energy Efficiency Programs
The Online Home Energy Audit Program offers residential customers an opportunity at no cost to learn more about how their home uses energy. Customers receive personalized recommendations for saving money and reducing their energy usage. Once they complete the audit, qualifying customers will receive a free energy efficiency kit.
Through the Columbia Gas Home Savings Program residential customers who qualify can apply for rebates to help offset the cost of higher efficiency equipment when replacing older, less efficient equipment. Rebate amounts include:
- $1 off per square foot on high efficiency windows, doors and skylights
- $50 off an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat
- $50 off an ENERGY STAR natural gas clothes dryer
- Up to $250 off a high efficiency natural gas water heater
- $300 off a high efficiency natural gas boiler
- Up to $500 off a high efficiency natural gas furnace
- $100 off a high efficiency direct vent gas fireplace
Additional energy saving tips:
- Maintain your furnace: Schedule your annual furnace tune-up, ideally before cold weather arrives. A licensed HVAC technician can make sure your furnace is clean and safe before its season-long workout. Remember to change filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Adjust the thermostat: Save energy on cooler days by setting the thermostat to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you are awake and setting it lower while you are asleep or away from home. Programmable thermostats can help you schedule temperature adjustments. Leave your curtains and blinds open on sunny days to use natural light as a source of heat during the day.
- Save on water: Do not set your water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees to help save energy and avoid scalding. When using the dishwasher, opt for the short cycle and turn off the drying cycle when possible.
- Seal cracks and leaks: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing leaks around the house can reduce energy expenses by five to 30 percent. Spending a day caulking or weatherstripping your windows and doors will help seal air leaks, which may be significant energy drains.
For more information on our energy efficiency programs, as well as more home energy tips, visit our website at www.columbiagasva.com/energy-efficiency.
About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 293,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource, Inc., (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
