FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Duke Energy is giving tips for how you can save money and energy as the temperatures rise in the Hoosier state.
With weather forecasters talking about increased temperatures across Indiana this week, Duke Energy has advice on how to keep both you and your budget from overheating.
The first bit of advice they give is to set your thermostats to the highest setting that is still comfortable. Just a few degrees difference can save energy and money on your electric bill. They also want to remind customers that their air conditioning system will run longer and use more energy when it’s hotter outside, whether their thermostat changes or not.
The second tip is to use cooler water when washing your clothes. Even switching the temperature of your water from hot to warm can cut your laundry load’s energy use by 50%. They also recommend, in general, to use your appliances that put out heat in the early morning hours for more savings.
Lastly, Duke Energy recommends closing curtains and blinds in the sunnier areas of your home. This will prevent extra sunlight from coming in and raising the temperature of the home. If you can, they recommend operating your ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. This will help push cold air back into the rooms the fans occupy.
There are also several savings programs and incentives Duke Energy offers to help you during this heat wave. First off, you can set up a free home energy assessment. Customers with Duke Energy can receive free energy-efficiency products, a customized usage report, low-cost tips, and expert recommendations if they sign up here for a Home Energy House Call.
If you need an update on things like HVAC systems, hot water heaters, pool pumps, or attic insulation, you may be able to receive rebates from the Smart $aver program. If your home contains a smart thermostat, you can also receive a credit on your bill for shifting your energy use to times when the demand is lower by enrolling in the Power Manager program.
If you just need assistance in paying your electric bill to keep up during the 90-degree days, there are payment assistance options as well. One such option is enrolling in an installment payment plan to give more flexibility when paying your bill. Other options that Duke Energy uses, along with state and local agencies, are the Share the Light Fund and the Low Income Energy Assistance programs.
For more information on these tips, you can visit the special assistance page on the Duke Energy website, and for more ways to save, click here.
