Dominion Energy offers free air conditioners to senior citizens

By NBC12 Newsroom | June 18, 2018 at 5:53 PM EDT - Updated August 14 at 12:01 AM

Dominion Energy is offering free single-room air conditioners to senior citizens as temperatures climb high.

Eligibility for the free units is based on income. For more information on how to apply in Virginia, call 1-800-552-3402.

Dominion Energy also offers help with cooling equipment repairs, purchases and payments through its Energy Share’s Cooling Assistance Program.

Here are some tips on keeping cool while cutting down on energy use:

style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; background: white;">Keep window shades/blinds/drapes closed during the day
style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; background: white;">Change out your HVAC filter to prevent breakdowns or costly strain on your system
style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in; line-height: normal; background: white;"> Seal air leaks around doors and windows with caulk and weather stripping to keep the heat out
style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; background: white;">Use fans to supplement your A/C. You can feel up to 5 degrees cooler, so you can raise your thermostat up a few degrees and help reduce your energy bill
style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; background: white;">Avoid using the stove or oven. Try cooking crockpot, outdoor grill or microwave are good options to reduce heat inside the home
style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; background: white;">Avoid running your dishwasher or clothes dryer until the late evening to avoid adding extra heat