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What is a kWh?

Each month you get your energy bill in the mail and probably wonder what the heck the three letters “kWh” mean.

You may have also thought to yourself, “How do I get that number down so that my bill is lower each month?”

“kWh” stands for kilowatt-hour, and understanding this term is key to starting to lower your monthly bill by reducing your energy consumption.

So what is a kilowatt- hour?

A watt is a unit of power - or the rate at which energy is produced or consumed. A watt-hour measures how much energy is consumed in an hour, so a kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watt-hours.

On average, Virginia homes use 1,000 kWh of electricity per month. How much electricity do you typically use?

Here are some tips to help bring down your energy consumption, and while you’re at it - head on over to our website and pledge to reduce your electricity consumption by 10%.

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The Longest Day of the Year

There will be more than 14 hours and 41 minutes of daylight in Virginia today. If you’re asking yourself “how can this be?” we’ve got the answer for you: it’s the summer solstice!

What’s the summer solstice you ask? Technically speaking, it is when the North Pole is at maximum tilt toward the sun, making it appear directly overhead and putting it along its longest and highest path across the southern sky. 

How much daylight you experience during the solstice depends entirely on where you live in the Northern Hemisphere. Anchorage, Alaska, for example, gets more than 22 hours of daylight. People who live south of the Equator are experiencing the shortest day of the year and the start of winter.

The summer solstice is more than just the longest day of the year - it is also the official start of summer. And to help keep your home cooler, consider this a good time to change the direction of your ceiling fans to counterclockwise if you haven’t already done so.

If you’re interested in learning more about the summer solstice, you can read these articles on Bustle and The Washington Post.

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No matter where you live or what your family is interested in, The Virginia Green Program has a list of The Commonwealth’s many attractions that have committed to waste reduction, energy and water conservation.

From Bear Creek Lake to York River, Virginia’s state parks will give your family a chance to enjoy the outdoors.

If museums are more your speed, head on down to Richmond to see the Sun Tubes exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Richmond.

But if you want to explore more of the history that is so rich across The Commonwealth, then be sure to check out Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The Visitor Center is a LEED Gold-certified building, so you can learn about conservation and history at the same time.

These are just a few ideas of what to explore across The Commonwealth this summer. If you visit any of the Virginia Green locations, tag Virginia Energy Sense in a Facebook or Twitter post and we’ll share it with our community!

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Spring Energy Tune-Up: HVAC

Barbecues, summer pool parties and festival season is right around the corner. Be sure to service your HVAC system now so that when you come home from a hot day, your house doesn’t feel like a sauna.

Here are a few tips to keep your home cool while maximizing energy efficiency and keeping your energy costs down. 

Make sure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.

Inspect and clean or replace air filters on a regular basis.

Repair leaks in system components such as pipes, steam traps or couplings.

Adjust the thermostat during unoccupied times or install a     programmable thermostat.

Reduce air conditioning hours.

Make sure radiators, air intake vents, etc., are not obstructed so that air can flow freely.

Use the Energy Star Building Checklist to cut down on summer cooling costs.

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Jack is back!

We have brought Jack back to teach your kids about energy efficiency.

Watch this video for ideas.

 What other way have you come up with for your family to become more energy efficient?

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Spring Energy Tune-Up: Heating and Refrigeration

Spring is in full swing and we will be continuing our Spring Energy Tune-Up around your home by bringing you more tips on how to maximize energy efficiency without maxing out your budget. This week, we want to focus on water heating and refrigeration. Below are a few tips to make sure you are heating your water and keeping your food cool without paying an arm and a leg.

Water Heating

Use hot water wisely.

Insulate hot water holding tanks and hot and cold water pipes.

Set your water heater at the lowest required temperature.

Use less. Install faucet aerators and efficient showerheads.

Find and fix leaks.

Refrigeration

Perform routine maintenance, such as vacuuming, to remove dust.

Defrost regularly.

Retrofit or replace old refrigerators and freezers.

You can find more energy-saving tips for your home on the Virginia Energy Sense website. 

Be sure to check out our blog next week to see how you what you can do when it comes to your heating and cooling systems to cut down on your energy costs.

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Spring Energy Tune-Up: Lighting

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be sharing some tips on how to tune up your home now that the snow is finally gone and flowers are starting to bloom. This week, we want to focus on lighting -- one of the biggest areas where you can save on your energy bills. Throughout the Spring, it will be staying lighter later and later. We can take advantage and turn those extra daylight hours into savings. Below are a few tips to make sure you are lighting your home without burning a hole in your pocket.

Take advantage of extra daylight – make sure only the lights you need are turned on.

Remove or disconnect unnecessary light fixtures.

Replace regular light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Switching one CFL can save $40 or more over the lifetime of the bulb and LED lights use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. While LEDs are more costly than CFLs, they are much more efficient using only two to 10 watts of electricity, a tiny fraction of what incandescent or even CFLs use. Small LED flashlight bulbs will also extend battery life 10 to 15 times longer.

Install timers or photocells on outside lights.

You can find more energy-saving tips for your home on the Virginia Energy Sense website. 

Be sure to check out our blog next week to see how you what you can do when it comes to your water heater and refrigerator to cut down on your energy costs.

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3 Programmable Thermostat Myths

Programmable thermostats are an easy and effective way to carefully manage the temperature of your home and maximize your energy savings. By allowing you to pre-set the temperature for different times of the day, you can ensure that your heating system isn’t running when it doesn’t need to.

Despite being an effective way to reduce your energy bill, there can be confusion and misinformation that deters people from purchasing programmable thermostats. Here are three common myths you should never buy into:

“It won’t save me money” – Using and setting a programmable thermostat helps reduce your energy bill. As the U.S. Department of Energy notes, using a programmable thermostat to turn your thermostat back 7°F for just eight hours each day can save you up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs.

“It’s too expensive” – You can find programmable thermostats at big box hardware stores for as little as $30. With the average price of winter heating bills ranging from $1,000 - $3,000 (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration ), a programmable thermostat would pay for itself the first month you use it.

“Outside sources control it” – The only person that controls their programmable thermostat is you! There is no possible way for a utility company or government entity to control your programmable thermostat.

By this time of the year, many of us are feeling the pain from heating bills that always seem to be growing. Take a proactive step to reduce your heating and cooling costs by purchasing a programmable thermostat. If you already own one, click here for tips to maximize its effectiveness.

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3 Valuable Tax Credits for Saving Energy

Let’s face it – very few people enjoy filing their taxes each year.  But you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are a number of tax rebates that can help you offset the cost of investing in energy efficient upgrades and equipment. Here are three popular tax rebates that you should consider:

1) ENERGY STAR-Certified Products: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50-$300 for the purchases of the following ENERGY STAR certified products:

Air source heat pumps – Up to $300

Biomass stoves – Up to $300

Central air conditioners – Up to $300

Boilers – Up to $150

Furnaces – Up to $150

Insulation – 10% of the cost, up $500

Roofs – 10% of the cost, up $500

Non-solar water heaters – Up to $300

Windows and doors – 10% of the cost, up to $500, but windows are capped at $200

Learn more here

2) Renewable Energy: 30% of cost with no upper limit on the following investments

Geothermal heat pumps

Small residential wind turbines

Solar energy systems

Learn more here

3) Invest in your business: New or existing commercial buildings that are constructed or reconstructed to save at least 50% of the heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating, and interior lighting energy cost may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1.80 per square foot.

Learn more here

In addition to tax credits, there are a number of other rebates for saving energy that are offered through the State of Virginia and various utility companies. Click here to check out the full list.

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How to Seal Air Leaks with Caulk

Regardless of the season, air leaks can cost you hundreds of dollars in wasted energy each year. When air is leaking from your home, it forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder to regulate the temperature, which ultimately raises your energy bill. Filling air leaks with caulk is a quick and easy way to prevent waste. The steps you can take to get started are outlined below:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Click here to learn how to detect air leaks in your home.

Is caulk the right material for your air leak? Caulk is a flexible material used to seal air leaks through cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1-quarter-inch wide between stationary building components and materials. For components that move -- doors and operable windows, for example -- weather stripping is the appropriate material.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

Caulk for sealing windows and doors (latex or silicone-based)

Caulk gun

Putty knife or large screwdriver (for removing any old caulk)

Paper towels or a rag for cleanup

Flashing material for larger openings (e.g., thin board sheathing, sheet aluminum, etc.)

 INSTRUCTIONS:

Clean the area that is about to be caulked: Wipe the area down and ensure that there is no old paint or caulk in the space.

Prepare your caulking gun: At the tip of the caulk cartridge, cut a tip that slants at a 45 degree angle. Then, insert the tube into the gun.  Practice using the caulking gun by slowly pulling the trigger over the newspaper – this will also ensure that it is working properly.

Hold the gun at a 45 degree angle against the edge that is going to be filled: Begin gently pulling the trigger and pull the gun slowly across the joint. Avoid stopping and starting – try to pull in one continuous motion.

Push the caulk in: Using a spoon or a wet finger, press along the surface of the bead of caulk and push it into the crack to make sure the gap is sealed.

Clean up excess caulk: Keep a damp rag nearby to clean up any excess caulk.

Give the caulk time to dry: Reference the tube you are using for directions on letting the caulk dry. Typical recommendations are to let it sit undisturbed for 24 hours.

SOURCE: The U.S. Department of Energy

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“Here at work, the lights are on from 9-5. The bad part is…they’re also on from 5-9.” – Jack

Many of us make a conscious effort to save energy in our homes – but what about work? Check out the second video from our Jack series on saving energy in the workplace. With only a few small steps, you can help your workplace enjoy the benefits of saving energy.

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3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill

Whether you enjoy cold weather or not, there’s no denying that most of us see a noticeable increase on our heating bill during the winter months. In order to reduce the energy spike while still maintaining comfort, here are three easy tips to save:

1) Change your furnace filter. A clean filter will prevent air restriction and allows your heating system to run more efficiently.

2) If you’re out of the house during the day, turn your thermostat down 10-15 degrees for eight hours to reduce your heating bill by up to 10 percent.

3) Seal air leaks with caulk and weather strip. Click here for a guide to get started.  

Still looking for more tips to save energy during the winter months?

Click here to receive more energy saving tips for the winter months.  

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Five Reasons Saving Energy Should be Your New Year’s Resolution

The start of the New Year gives many of us a fresh outlook and the chance to make meaningful changes in 2016. Here are five key reasons that saving energy should be one of your New Year’s resolutions: 

1) It’s easier than you think: Reducing your energy consumption doesn’t need to be a chore. Take the time to develop easy habits like turning off lights and lowering your thermostat to the most comfortable temperature. You’ll quickly notice that saving energy becomes second nature.  

2) It allows you to spend your energy elsewhere: Still trying to save for that new electronic gadget? Considering an extra vacation this winter? By adopting energy saving habits, you’ll be able to spend your energy dollars elsewhere. 

3) It improves the comfort of your home: A well-insulated home does more than save you energy – it can protect you from the drafts and temperature fluctuations that lower the quality of your indoor climate.

4) It’s good for the community: When each of us reduces our energy consumption, the entire community benefits. We’re at less risk for power outages and other disruptions to the grid.   

5) It may qualify you for tax rebates: If you’re thinking about making energy efficient upgrades to your home, be sure to consider all state and federal tax credits and incentives that you may be eligible for. Tax credits can significantly lower the cost of home improvement projects that can save you energy for decades. Click here to find some Virginia energy efficiency incentives.

“I’m in. What do I do now?”

Text SAVE to 52886 to get energy-saving alerts and tips directly to your phone.

Happy New Year!

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Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

Use LED Lights

Old incandescent holiday lights are inefficient and often times only work for one season, so consider replacing them with LED light strands. In addition to using 70% less energy than traditional bulbs, LED lights are brighter and safer. And so you can safely channel your Clark Griswold, you can connect up to 24 strings of LED lights without overloading a wall socket.  If you prefer white lights with the look of incandescent lights, look for "warm" white on the label.

Limit Hourly Usage of Tree and Display Lighting

Set timers for lights to automatically turn on and off.  You can save a bundle keeping light displays on only during the evening hours when you can see them, rather than all the time.  

Creative and Reflective Decorating

You can use fewer lights, and less energy, but utilizing reflective ornaments and tinsel, which can help amplify your tree and display lighting. And don’t forget to utilize non-electricity using decorations such as ribbons, wreaths, garland, and reflective menorahs.

Energy Efficient Holiday Cooking Options

You can save energy and money by utilizing more efficient cooking appliances such as crockpots and microwaves.  Both use less energy than traditional cooking methods such as ovens and cooktop burners.

Cooking a Ham or Turkey?  

Don’t open the oven door to check your dinner’s progress.  Instead, turn on the oven light and peek in through the oven window.  

Use Pans that Fit Your Burners

Using pots and pans that are too small for your burners can result in energy waste of nearly 50 percent. Make sure you put the right sized pans on the right sized burners.  

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"Did you know if you pull the plug on unused appliances you can knock a chunk of change off of that power bill?" –Jack

Have you met Jack yet? He’s the latest energy expert to join our team. You may have already noticed him by your feet or on a nearby wall, and now we've enlisted him to provide you with easy tips for saving energy. Watch his debut video above. 

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Whether you’re looking to kayak down one of Virginia's rivers or buy new skis to hit the slopes, reducing your energy use can save you money for fun activities around the Commonwealth. That’s the message of our new public service announcement!

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New Habits For A New Year: Will You Resolve to Save?

With another year behind us, it’s time to reflect on the habits we can improve upon and goals we’d like to strive for in the coming months and seasons. As many common resolutions for the New Year include better spending and health habits, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your personal energy consumption and commit to the ways you can make a dent in your energy use and costs.

Since large resolutions can be harder to stick to, we’ve compiled a list of simple energy projects and habit changes to help you ring in the New Year and get started on a renewed path toward energy savings.

Are there are other energy-related resolutions in your 2015 plans? Share your goals to better “value your power” this year on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaenergysense

1. Replace existing lights with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs. Lighting accounts for up to 11% of Virginia household energy use. Curb lighting expenses by replacing five of your home's most frequently used lights with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs, which can save households up to $40 annually in energy costs. Although LED and CFL bulbs can have higher upfront costs than traditional incandescent bulbs, they last up to 25 times longer and are up to 90% more efficient.

2. Air seal gaps, cracks and holes. Many of us can settle for areas of our home that are notoriously drafty, especially in the winter. This year, resolve to take action to address the leaks that allow cool air to enter — and the heat you’re paying for to escape. One of the simplest fixes to addressing drafts is through simple caulking, sealing and weatherstripping. Best yet, reducing air leaks throughout your home could save you up to 10% in energy costs! For step-by-step instructions, read our How-To Guide to sealing and saving.

3. Cover your water heater tank. Heating water accounts for 18% of annual household energy use. If your water heater is set at a higher temperature than necessary (e.g. 130-140°F), it can cost you up to $400 in demand loss. For every 10°F reduction in temperature, you can cut your water heating costs by up to 5%. For more savings, wrap your water tank with a jacket to improve insulation by as much as 75%. Keeping the water hot lets your tank take more frequent breaks, saving you money.

4. Set your programmable thermostat. Heating an empty home is one of the most common ways we use more energy than is necessary, which can add up to a lot on your monthly energy bills. By installing — and properly setting a programmable thermostat — to automatically adjust your indoor air temperature when you’re asleep or away from home, you could save as much as $180 annually! To make the programming even easier, try a smart thermostat that learns your habits and patterns and adjusts its settings automatically. Forgot to adjust the thermostat before heading out for the day? These wi-fi enabled devices allow you to make changes remotely via a smartphone.

5. Get to know your home. Nearly half of home energy costs are spent on heating and cooling. But appliances, lighting and electronics costs can add up too. Learn more about your energy use with our Home Energy Test ; just a few minutes to answer questions and you’ll receive a personal report with home improvement recommendations and potential cost saving estimates. To get a deeper, custom look into your home’s energy use and best path forward to conserve, find a qualified energy auditor to conduct your home assessment. It could save you as much as 30% on energy bills after completing the suggested improvements.

6. Regularly check and change your furnace filter. Who is your home is responsible for checking and changing your air filters? It’s something that’s easy to forget or delay, but a dirty filter not only forces your HVAC unit to work harder, but it also decreases your indoor air quality. During peak heating and cooling seasons, check and change your filter often (i.e. every 1-3 months) to save up to up 15% on heating and cooling costs. Consider upgrading to a reusable furnace filter, which can be washed and re-used up to 10 years. If you prefer to stick with disposable filters, attach an air filter whistle, which will let you know your filter is clogged when the whistle starts to “sing.”

7. Make your fridge more efficient. Refrigerators should be kept between 37°F and 40°F and your freezer kept at 5°F to save energy. Maintain a full refrigerator or freezer to save energy by reducing the recovery time when the door is opened.

8. Conserve while freshening up. Did you know an energy efficient showerhead can help you save up to $145 annually in electricity costs? With a built-in thermometer, the showerhead runs normally while the water warms up. But once the water reaches the designated temperature, the showerhead cuts water to a trickle. A change in sound lets you know the shower is warm and a simple pull of a lever will return the flow to normal when you step into the tub. 

9. Connect less and save more. With the growing number of available electronics and gadgets, home energy use is increasingly impacted by “vampire” power – energy consumed by electronics that appear shut off or in stand-by mode – which adds up to more than $100 a year. Curb your energy use and costs by unplugging devices from the wall when they’re fully charges or not in use. To make it easier, plug your devices into a motion sensor power strip that automatically shuts off electronics when sensing a lack of movement. (Basic power strips work just as well if you can remember to manually flip the switch.)

10. Take advantage of discounts and freebies. Reducing your energy consumption can require some upfront costs, though many will bring a quick return on investment. To help offset the costs of your energy projects and more efficient equipment, be sure to do your research for rebates and incentives you may be eligible for, offered by your utility provider, local energy organization and federal, state or local government entities.

Do you have any tips to share about ways you Value Your Power? Share your experiences with us for a chance to be featured on this blog!

For more tips and resources, including our Do-It-Yourself Guide with step-by-step instructions for home energy projects and our energy-saving gadgets list for tools that help make saving energy a breeze, visit us at www.virginiaenergysense.org.