How Rising Energy Costs Affect Chesapeake Homeowners — And What You Can Do About It

Claire Jaramillo
Sep 23
4 min read

Chesapeake Families Face a 15% Utility Bill Hike

Chesapeake homeowners are bracing for higher bills this winter. Dominion energy have requested a 15% increase in electric rates and natural gas users experience varying gas prices every month for the Hampton Roads area. That means whether your household uses natural gas, electricity, or both, you’ll feel the pinch.

The challenge? Your family’s comfort depends on heating and cooling systems that already account for nearly half of your total energy use. Add rising rates to that equation, and suddenly your budget stretches further than ever before.

Here’s the good news: while you can’t control utility rates, you can control how much energy your home consumes. With the right maintenance, upgrades, and smart usage strategies, you can keep your bills in check — even as rates climb.

At Air Handlers Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach families stay comfortable without overspending for more than 30 years. In this guide, we’ll break down:

Why energy costs are rising.
How your HVAC system plays the biggest role in your utility bill.
Practical steps you can take right now.
Long-term solutions that save money year after year.

Why Energy Costs Are Rising in Chesapeake

Utility rates don’t go up for no reason. Across Hampton Roads, several factors are driving this increase:

Aging infrastructure: Power grids, pipelines, and distribution systems require constant upgrades and repairs.
Increased demand: Growing populations and year-round HVAC usage put more strain on the system.
Energy supply issues: Fluctuations in natural gas and electricity production raise wholesale prices that trickle down to customers.

Unfortunately, homeowners have little control over these changes. When your utility bill goes up 15%, it’s not because you used more energy — it’s because the rates themselves are higher.

The reality is simple: if you want to stop bills from skyrocketing, you need to reduce the amount of energy your home consumes. That’s where your HVAC system comes in.

How Your HVAC System Impacts Energy Bills

Did you know your heating and cooling system accounts for 40–50% of your home’s total energy use?

That means even small inefficiencies add up to big monthly expenses.

Here are some of the most common issues that drive up costs in Hampton Roads homes:

Dirty filters: A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, increasing energy use by up to 15%.
Neglected maintenance: Loose electrical connections, low refrigerant, and dirty coils all lower efficiency.
Leaky ductwork: Up to 30% of heated or cooled air escapes before it even reaches your rooms.
Aging equipment: Systems over 15 years old can be 30–50% less efficient than today’s models.

Every one of these problems wastes energy. The result? You’re paying more each month but getting less comfort.

The good news is that these issues are preventable — and fixable — with the right steps.

Practical Steps Homeowners Can Take

If you’re feeling the squeeze from rising bills, here are some simple steps you can take immediately:

Adjust your thermostat: Lower it by 2–3 degrees in winter or raise it slightly in summer. Small changes = noticeable savings.
Replace air filters: Swap them every 1–3 months depending on pets, allergies, and dust.
Seal drafts: Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.
Use ceiling fans: They help circulate air more efficiently.

But the single biggest step? Regular HVAC maintenance.

At Air Handlers, our Champions Club Maintenance Plan includes a 21-point inspection that covers every critical component of your system. We clean, test, and optimize your unit so it runs at peak performance. That means lower energy use, fewer breakdowns, and longer system life.

For example: catching a worn capacitor during maintenance can prevent a mid-summer breakdown and keep your system running efficiently — saving you hundreds in both repairs and wasted energy.

Long-Term Solutions for Lower Bills

While maintenance gives you immediate savings, some homeowners reach a point where replacing the system makes more sense. Here’s why:

New Carrier systems are built with advanced energy-efficient technology that can lower bills by 20–40% compared to older units.
Zoning systems allow you to control temperatures in different areas of your home, reducing wasted energy.
Smart thermostats learn your habits and automatically adjust settings for maximum efficiency.
Indoor air quality accessories like dehumidifiers improve comfort and reduce the workload on your HVAC system.

And with Carrier’s current promotion (running through Nov 29, 2025), Chesapeake homeowners can save up to $2,100 in rebates plus get 0% financing for 60 months with Wells Fargo. That means you can invest in an energy-efficient system now without straining your budget.

Why Choose Air Handlers

When it comes to HVAC, not all companies are created equal. Homeowners across Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach trust Air Handlers Heating & Cooling because:

We’ve been family-owned and locally operated for more than 30 years.
Our technicians are certified, experienced, and continuously trained.
We provide transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we install top-quality equipment backed by industry-leading warranties.
Champions Club members receive priority service and exclusive discounts on repairs.

We don’t just fix systems — we build long-term relationships with families across Hampton Roads.

Take Control of Rising Costs

Utility rates will keep changing. But your home doesn’t have to feel the impact.

By joining the Champions Club, scheduling preventative maintenance, or upgrading to an energy-efficient Carrier system, you can lower your bills, stay comfortable, and protect your family’s safety.

📞 Call 757-734-7171 or 🌐 visit airhandlersva.com today to get started.

Don’t let rising energy costs control your comfort — let Air Handlers help you stay ahead.