VIRGINIA (DC News Now) -- Families are flipping the switch on their energy usage to cut corners around the high costs of essentials. Several utility companies are offering free energy audits in lockstep with local contractors and even have free kits for consumers to make their homes air-tight. DC News Now walked along with Virginia utility provider Dominion Energy and Stephen Raddie, a contractor from Comfenergy, inside a Fairfax County home Monday for an inside look at the energy audit process. First, Raddie showed devices that measure heat emissions in ceiling air vents and infrared technology that shows hot spots in an attic air duct. "You're losing efficiency and warm air you're paying for right out into the attic," he noted. After installing a temporary door leading to the front stoop, Raddie used a smoke-emitting device to track where the plumes traveled to get a neutral reading of interior conditions—showing how unseen openings in light switches can contribute to energy waste. "With that blower door running, I can start going around the penetration points, and you can see, you know, air being sucked around through that wall," he said. A representative for Dominion Energy said nearly 24,000 customers have taken advantage of energy audits in the last five years. The audits are divided into two groups: an introductory energy checkup and a comprehensive audit that takes more time inside homes. DMV grocery price check: How costs shifted in one week While consumers are looking for savings opportunities, there is some good news as colder months creep in. Energy costs dropped 6.8% compared to a year prior, according to a September report from the Consumer Price Index. Like Dominion, Pepco's D.C. and Maryland customers can also access free energy audits. Both utility providers also offer weatherization kits and rebates for larger energy-saving projects. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development promotes the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for consumers looking for utility bill assistance. Pepco promotes its 'Assistance Finder' tool online, and Dominion offers home and business energy efficiency programs and resources.