April 23, 2009

RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion Virginia Power customers can take steps now to maximize the efficiency of their residential heat pumps or air conditioners and save energy and money when the summer cooling season arrives.

“With proper maintenance, a cooling system can operate efficiently and economically for many years,” said Keith G. Wooldridge, Dominion vice president – Energy Conservation and Customer Solutions. “With a few easy steps, customers can enjoy maximum cooling system performance and reduce the amount of energy required to keep a home comfortable even in the hottest and most humid days of summer.”

To download a copy of the Energy Star® Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling, click here: Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling.

An annual inspection of the entire cooling system by a qualified cooling and heating specialist is recommended. A properly maintained cooling system operates most efficiently and is far less likely to malfunction when it is needed most.

Some other tips for achieving maximizing efficiency are:

• Have the duct work inspected and repaired if needed. You might be surprised to learn how much of a difference repairing even a few small duct leaks can make.
• Change the cooling system’s air filter every month.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Because a programmable thermostat automatically raises or lowers the temperature in small increments, it is more efficient.
• Raise the temperature setting by only one degree can help you save energy and money in the summer. A setting of 78 degrees is recommended by many energy experts.
• Use ceiling fans to provide a cooling effect using minimal electricity.
• In the summer, you can save energy by using your programmable thermostat to raise the temperature automatically at night or when you are at work.
• Limit the use of exhaust fans in places such as the kitchen and bathroom. These fans move the cool air outside, forcing the air conditioner to work even harder.
• Keep leaves, pine needles and other debris away from the base of the outdoor unit, allowing the air to move freely and the unit to operate more efficiently.

Dominion continues to be a leader in energy saving information by providing energy calculators and practical tips at www.dom.com, keyword “Conservation” or “Energy Efficiency.” Customers can discuss ways to save energy, money and the environment on Dominion’s blog devoted to energy conservation at http://e-conserve.blogspot.com.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of more than 27,000 megawatts of generation. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

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