CAYCE, S.C., January 23, 2020 – Unseasonably warm days that quickly turn to freezing temperatures in just one week’s time can easily confuse customers when it comes to managing energy use. One thing is clear: It’s still winter. Dominion Energy recommends some tried-and-true tips for managing energy usage this time of year.

“Colder temperatures during the winter months can make a big impact on a customer’s energy usage and ultimately their energy bill,” said Ginger Greenway, manager of energy information services for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “There are several easy things customers can do around their homes to help conserve energy and in return possibly lower their energy bills.”

Dominion Energy encourages customers to implement these straightforward energy-saving measures:

1. Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees while you’re at home. You can save more by setting your thermostat even lower while you sleep and when you’re away from home.
2. Check heating and air conditioning filters monthly. Dirty filters not only increase energy usage, they can also damage your HVAC system.
3. Consider adjusting your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees, unless your manufacturer’s guidelines require a higher setting.
4. Weather-strip doors and caulk around seams, cracks and openings to keep the cold air out. Ensure your house is sealed tight by checking for ductwork leaks or tears. You can repair fallen or crushed ductwork with mastic to seal leaks, and duct wrap can be used to insulate ductwork that passes through unconditioned spaces.
5. Adjust your drapes and blinds according to the time of day. To benefit from the sun’s natural warmth, keep your drapes and blinds open during daylight hours. Close them during the night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows. Also, insulated or heavy curtains – especially on north-facing windows – may help keep out the cold air.

“Many people believe it takes more energy to heat a home than it does to keep it warm consistently,” said Greenway. “The truth is it’s best to only heat your home as much as necessary, based on occupants and time of day. If you have a heat pump, remember to only move the thermostat up 1-2 degrees at a time, when increasing the temperature setting, to avoid unnecessarily activating the auxiliary heat, or heat strips.”

In addition to conservative management of all thermostats, consider using a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be used with home automation and are responsible for controlling a home’s heating and/or cooling system. They allow users to adjust thermostat settings from other internet-controlled devices, such as a laptop or smartphone. Residential electric customers can now purchase smart thermostats from the EnergyWise Online Savings Store and receive instant discounts off retail prices.

Customers who want to avoid seasonal bill increases due to weather-related fluctuations in energy use may be eligible for budget billing. To determine customers’ monthly budget billing payment amount, Dominion Energy South Carolina averages their 12 previous bills and the projected cost of energy over the next 12 months, and then divides that amount into 12 equal payments.

For more information about budget billing, visit dominionenergysc.com/budgetbilling. For additional energy efficiency tips, visit dominionenergysc.com/energytips.

About Dominion Energy

Nearly 7.5 million customers in 18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with more than $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution and import/export services. The company expects to cut generating fleet carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent by 2050 and reduce methane emissions from its gas assets 50 percent by 2030. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.