With energy costs in Virginia rising faster than anywhere else in the country thanks to rapid data center buildout, it’s more impactful than ever this summer to reduce your home’s energy use — and, in turn, your electric bill.
Here are some ways you can save energy this summer:
Close curtains and blinds on south-facing windows. Bonus: darker or “blackout” curtains and shades will block out more light and keep your home cooler.
Avoid using the oven, which generates a lot of heat, and instead try summer recipes on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, toaster oven or microwave. Bonus: keep the coils of your refrigerator and freezer clean so they can run efficiently.
Set the thermostat higher when you leave the house or go on vacation. Bonus: installing a smart thermostat lets you control the temperature even when you’re away.
Unplug appliances you don’t use regularly to prevent “phantom loads” from drawing electricity. Bonus: consider plugging electronics into power strips that can be turned off so you don’t have to unplug everything.
Lower your water heater’s maximum temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Bonus: Consider using the cold cycle for laundry and taking cooler, shorter showers.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy. Bonus: if you need to replace a larger appliance, look for Energy Star products that use less electricity.
Clean air filters once a month and have your heating and cooling systems serviced once a year. Bonus: make sure your furniture is not blocking any air vents.
Watch PEC’s “Energy” playlist on YouTube to see easy home projects you can do to reduce your energy bills. Bonus: sign up for Solarize Piedmont through July 15 for a free home solar assessment!
This article appeared in the 2026 summer edition of The Piedmont Environmental Council’s member newsletter, The Piedmont View. If you’d like to become a PEC member or renew your membership, please visit pecva.org/join.
