January 28, 2025
With icy temperatures gripping Virginia, many households are struggling to keep their homes warm without breaking the bank. Since 1976, Community Housing Partners (CHP) Energy Solutions has provided weatherization services to income- and age-qualifying households in Virginia, increasing energy efficiency, reducing utility costs, and improving home comfort at no cost to those who qualify.
CHP is the largest weatherization provider in Virginia and serves thousands of families each year through a variety of energy efficiency programs. The weatherization process begins with a comprehensive audit, which identifies problem areas in the home, such as air leaks, insufficient insulation, or inefficient heating systems. Based on the results, CHP’s technicians implement targeted improvements, including sealing windows and doors, installing insulation, and upgrading heating systems.
In addition to CHP’s weatherization services, small changes can help Virginians stay warm and save money this winter. According to Rochelle Sommer, Senior Communications Specialist at the Virginia State Corporation Commission and Media Representative at Virginia Energy Sense (VES), these strategies can make a significant difference:
- Use your curtains: During the day, open your curtains to get natural heat from the sun instead of the thermostat. Before going to bed, close the curtains to keep the heat in at night. Practicing this habit may reduce your energy bill.
- Seal air leaks to save energy. By sealing your home to keep out the elements, you may not only enhance your comfort but also lower your heating costs.
- Improve insulation. A well-insulated home retains warmth effectively. Fall and winter are the ideal times to inspect and improve your home’s insulation, as it can be more manageable to explore your attic and crawl spaces in moderate fall temperatures.
- Keep your furnace in top shape. Stay ahead of the cold weather by maintaining your furnace. You’ll want to replace or clean your air filter once a month. If the filter is dirty, your heating system may have to work harder to keep you warm.
- Cover your AC unit. If you’re using a removable window air conditioning unit, prepare for winter by taking it out before cold temperatures arrive. If your window-mounted air conditioner stays in place all year, you can still cover the unit to try and prevent cold air from seeping into your home.
- Get the most out of your ceiling fans. Running the fan clockwise pushes hot air down to the floor, helping you stay warm and comfortable. You can change the direction of the fan’s rotation by flipping a switch on the fan itself or using the fan’s remote control. Energystar.gov says that Energy Star certified ceiling fans may be 60% more efficient than conventional fans.
Virginia residents can view a map of CHP’s weatherization service areas and contact CHP Energy Solutions to see if they qualify by emailing chpenergysolutions@chpc2.org or calling 888-229-3714 and dialing zero to speak to an operator. Even if you don’t qualify, implementing these energy-saving tips can keep your home warmer and more efficient this winter.
Founded in 1975, Community Housing Partners (CHP) provides quality-built, responsibly managed, service-enriched homes for low-income individuals and families across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through its mission to create homes and communities that are healthy, sustainable, and affordable, CHP has been a leading advocate of affordable housing development for 50 years. CHP’s activities include real estate development, construction, energy services and training, asset management, property management, realty and homeownership, and comprehensive resident services.