Saving energy is a positive action, no matter how big or small — it benefits the environment and decreases your monthly expenses. From installing solar panels to closing the blinds while you’re away, there are plenty of ways to keep your bills environmentally + financially friendly.

Water usage

You’re probably familiar with the basics of water saving, like taking shorter showers or saving laundry for full loads. To keep things fresh, we rounded up some spontaneous energy (and bill) saving ideas you may not have heard before:

If you drop an ice cube, don’t kick it under the fridge; Give it to a plant as a treat.
Consider bathing your dog outside to help water a dry area. Note: Use biodegradable soap.
Place a bucket in the tub while waiting for the shower to warm up, and reuse that water for plants, laundry, etc.
Leave dishes to soak – yes, you heard that right — time spent scrubbing can add up.
Look into our beginner’s guide to rainwater harvesting, a process for nonpotable water reuse.

Rain chains make rainwater harvesting relatively simple. You can find decorative chains online or D.I.Y your own with wire + spoons or rocks. | Photo by Chaim Zvi via Flikr

Air conditioning

This summer is expected to be one of the hottest summers in Virginia yet. Browse through some general tips to help reduce AC costs without the heat getting to you.

Try this: While we know you love natural light in your home, consider closing the blinds while you’re out and about to limit extra heat.

The Virginia Department of Energy's Home Efficiency Rebate program offers up to $8,000 per household to assist with the improvement of certain energy-efficiency appliances. This can include insulation, air sealing, and ventilation — helping the environments and your wallet simultaneously.

Landscaping

As the heat of summer beams down, plants and trees can provide shade for your home + limit the impact of sunrays. If you'd like to maximize shade in your outdoor space, contact local landscaping services like Green Dream or Thistle and Rose.

When it comes to stormwater runoff on your property, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program offers financial assistance when you implement certain practices, like soil infiltration or permeable pavement installation, that manage stormwater runoff and overall improve water quality.

Solar panels

If your home lacks shade, you can pivot the opposite direction and embrace every ounce of sunlight. According to the US Department of Energy, “the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year.”

That’s a major fact, but we’re going to keep things on a smaller scale: your home. Solar panels are a great way to save on your energy bill, though it can come with a considerable investment.

While startup costs can add up, there is a sunny side. On top of being more eco-friendly, users report monthly bill savings over time and benefits from state and federal tax credits, rebates, and incentives.

Not sure where to start?

Dominion Energy customers can sign up for an Introductory Energy Assessment or Comprehensive Home Energy Audit to evaluate which areas of the home could use improvement.