“Summer of Savings”: Duke Energy offers ways to lower your energy use

Warmer-than-average temperatures are expected this summer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seasonal temperature outlook. As summer temperatures soar, Duke Energy is offering ways customers can take control of their energy use.

“Hotter days mean increased energy use as customers rely on air conditioning to stay cool,” Duke Energy President Stan Pinegar said. “As summer arrives, we are sharing programs, tips, tools and assistance to help our customers manage their energy use.”

Take advantage of Usage Alerts to help save

Better predict what you’ll spend on electricity each month by reviewing the Usage Alerts that arrive midway through a billing cycle. The Usage Alert notification shows how much electricity you’re using and how much it may cost in time to adjust before the end of your billing cycle.

Use Duke Enegery’s website or the Duke Energy app to track your energy usage down to the hour, day or week. The goal is to see when energy use is spiking and adjust habits that may be driving it up. Simply sign-in to your online account or create one here.

Savings programs & incentives 

Duke Energy offers a variety of programs and incentives to help customers navigate seasonal energy use. Learn more about available options below:

• Power Manager: Get rewarded by helping shift energy use away from peak periods. Plus, receive bill credits for making a difference in your community. Find out if you qualify.
• Home Energy House Call: Consider a free home energy assessment, which can help lower your energy use. Valued at $180, this service helps you learn how your home uses energy and how you can save. An energy specialist will check your home for air leaks, examine your insulation levels, check your appliances and more. Sign up online or call (844) 346-4366.
• Weatherization Program: Some customers can take advantage of the income-qualified Weatherization Program for single-family and multifamily units to help save money and reduce expenses through the installation of energy conservation measures in their home. The program is open to owners and renters with owner approval, and eligibility is determined by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and an in-home assessment.

Payment assistance

Some customers may be eligible for further assistance. Interest-free Installment Plans can help customers who need flexibility with paying their energy bills. Duke Energy also works with local and state agencies to connect qualified customers with access to resources, including Share the Light Fund and the Energy Assistance Program.

Visit Duke Energy’s Special Assistance page for more information.

Low- to no-cost energy-saving tips & projects

Summer weather can contribute to higher energy use as your HVAC system works harder to keep you comfortable. The greater the temperature difference between the outside and the inside, the harder your AC unit must work.

Below are tips to help manage your energy use when temperatures rise.

• Inspect and service your HVAC. Have your HVAC system checked by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to make sure it is operating efficiently. ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling equipment, when properly installed, can yield annual energy bill savings of 10 to 30 percent.
• Make sure cool air isn’t escaping by checking windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulk, seal and use weatherstripping to block leaks, which can help save 10 to 20 percent in cooling costs.
• Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.
• Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting or install a smart thermostat. Cooling costs are usually the biggest part of an electricity bill. Keep in mind: your system will run longer the hotter it is outside – even if your thermostat setting never changes. And, run heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours for additional savings.
• Operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction in the summer, which pushes cooler air back down into the room.
• Close curtains and blinds during warm, sunny days to help prevent the sun from heating your home.

For more information visit duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.