RICHMOND, Va., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power offers multiple rebate programs and tips that can empower customers to manage their energy bills during the summer months. Simple actions at home can help homeowners make significant reductions in their energy consumption, resulting in lower bills.

"When it comes to saving money on your energy bills, a little know-how can go a long way," said Ken Barker, Vice President of Technical Solutions. "Dominion offers multiple incentives to help customers make their homes more energy efficient and take charge of their summer bills."

Home Energy Check-Up

Customers who complete a Home Energy Check-Up receive a report detailing how money could be saved around the home. Each customer, on average, receives a $230 incentive for the installation of energy saving devices, including:

• compact fluorescent light bulbs
• efficient faucet aerators and showerheads
• replacement air filters for air conditioners
• door weather-stripping
• smart outlet strips

Heat Pump Tune-Up

The Heat Pump Tune-Up program gives customers a $90 rebate for having maintenance completed on their heat pump. A tune-up can help your unit run more efficiently, prolong the life of existing equipment, and provide better temperature control.

Heat Pump Upgrade

Customers can have their existing heat pump replaced with a more efficient unit to receive a rebate for their purchase. Rebates range from $200 to $250 depending on the heat pump's efficiency. A heat pump upgrade can help save money in the long run; more efficient models use less energy to cool your home.

Residential Appliance Recycling Program

Through its new Residential Appliance Recycling Program, Dominion Virginia Power is making it easy for customers to recycle their old refrigerators and freezers. Dominion will pick up and recycle appliances at no cost and customers will receive a $50 incentive for participating.

Service performed for Dominion Virginia Power's energy conservation programs must be completed by a participating contractor, who will determine the cost of the work. Rebates and customer's out-of-pocket costs will vary based on work completed. For additional information about energy conservation programs, visit www.dom.com/savenowVA.

Start Saving Today

In addition to taking advantage of these programs, these simple adjustments around the home can result in big savings:

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees which is the most efficient temperature on hot summer days. Each degree increase can result in significant savings on cooling costs. Programmable thermostats can regulate temperatures when you're not home, saving you money.
• Close blinds or curtains on the sunny side of your home or apartment.
• Avoid cooking in the oven during summer months. Microwaves, stoves and outdoor grills add less heat to the home.
• Remember to switch ceiling fans to turn in the counter-clockwise direction to cool people in the room. Turn off fans when not in the room.
• Close air conditioning vents in unused rooms.
• Keep doors and windows shut when air conditioning is turned on.
• Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Devices use power even when not being used.
• Avoid washing laundry and dishes until nighttime, to avoid generating excess heat during the day.
• Turn off lights during the day. Light bulbs not only use energy but incandescent bulbs also create heat.
• Replace or clean forced-air heating/cooling system filters monthly.

For more ways to save on your power bill, visit: www.dom.com; keyword energy saving tips.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with operations in 14 states. Dominion has a portfolio of approximately 20,400 megawatts of generation and 6,455 miles of electric transmission lines, and operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 928 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves utility and retail energy customers in 13 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com/.

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power