While customers can’t control the rates that utilities charge, they can take steps to conserve their use of energy, thereby reducing their costs.
Here are some suggestions from Duke Energy that can help you to conserve energy:
- When heating or cooling your house, remember the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bills.
- Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes your system work harder, which consumes more energy and increases costs.
- Have your system checked regularly by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to maintain efficiency and peak performance.
- Leave your drapes or blinds open on sunny winter days, to allow the sun to help warm your home; close them on hot days and at night, to help insulate your home.
- Check your windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulking, sealing and weatherstripping can save between 10% and 20% in heating costs.
- Replace standard light bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are more efficient than regular light bulbs and provide the same amount of light. Replacing just six regular light bulbs with LEDs can save up to $480 over the life of the bulbs.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room; operate them in a counterclockwise direction during hotter weather. Most fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the motor. Turn off fans when you are not in the room.
- Manage your water heating. Set the water heater at 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.
Published February 21, 2024
