PLAINFIELD, Ind. – The coldest air of the fall is settling into Indiana, with temperatures expected to remain in the 40s today and dropping to below freezing in the mornings through the weekend. The National Weather Service says gusty northwest winds will add to the chill, with even a few snowflakes possible in parts of the state.
Small changes that add up:
With such a sudden change in the forecast, Duke Energy is sharing a few simple tips that can help customers save energy and money:
- Set the thermostat for savings. As Hoosiers crank up the heat with the change in temperature, keeping thermostats at the lowest comfortable setting can lower energy usage. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bills. In fact, according to the U.S Department of Energy (DOE), every degree lowered during an eight-hour period can save 1% on heating costs.
- Keep the heat where it belongs. The Department of Energy reports that about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. While opening blinds and curtains during the day allows sunlight to warm a home, closing them at night helps keep heat inside.
- Seal the “home envelope.” Using caulking or weatherstripping on air leaks in vents, windows and doors can save 10% to 20% in heating costs, per the U.S. DOE.
- Take advantage of fans – yes, even when it’s cold outside. There’s a small switch on the motor of most ceiling fans that changes the direction they spin. Changing it to a clockwise direction pushes warm air back down into the room.]
Our view:
“These tips can be put into practice easily and quickly, which make them ideal for times like this when temperatures drop so significantly almost overnight,” said Stan Pinegar, Duke Energy Indiana state president. “We hope our customers keep these practical solutions in mind over the next few days so they can manage their energy use and help lower their bills.”
For more energy efficiency tips, tools and resources, please visit duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 930,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Contact: Angeline Protogere
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DukeEnergyIN