WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — So far this year, more than 600 residents in West Terre Haute have received a free home energy makeover from Duke Energy.
Through Duke Energy’s Neighborhood Energy Saver Program, the company has sent experts to homes in West Terre Haute, along with Jasonville, to perform energy assessments and to install energy-saving products.
In March, Duke Energy said approximately 1,000 Duke Energy customers in West Terre Haute were eligible for the free makeovers. Qualifying customers can receive a free home energy assessment and installation of up to 16 energy-saving improvements at no cost to them.
According to a press release, since the beginning of the year, Duke has installed “more than 70 smart thermostats, more than 300 low-flow showerheads, nearly 700 low-flow aerators and more than 3,500 energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lightbulbs in West Terre Haute.”
The company also said they have provided nearly 500 cases of air filters, weather-stripped more than 450 doors, sealed numerous air ducts and installed insulation in homes to help them be more energy efficient.
Duke Energy said these changes can help customers save up to $135 per year on their electricity bills.
“In the summer months, one of the best ways homeowners can stay cool and manage their energy bills is to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Drafty doorways and gaps in insulation can cause air conditioning systems to work harder and use more electricity than necessary,” said Rick Burger, Government and Community Relations Manager at Duke Energy.
Burger added that making a home more energy efficient can be a fiscal challenge for some, so Duke Energy offers options to help those individuals.
“Making a home more energy efficient is a great step toward reducing energy costs. But for customers on fixed incomes, it can be difficult to make big investments in energy efficiency upgrades,” said Burger. “Duke Energy’s Neighborhood Energy Saver Program aims to address that hurdle by helping low-income customers in aging or poorly insulated homes make energy-saving improvements at no cost to them.”
In addition to energy-saving improvements to their home, Duke Energy said residents can also learn how to take control of their energy costs by practicing energy-saving habits. To learn more about managing energy use and cost-saving tips, click here.
