CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Some of the chilliest air of the season is moving into North Carolina, bringing below-average temperatures and the potential for the season’s first widespread frost and freeze this weekend. The National Weather Service says overnight temperatures will fall into the low to mid 30s in many areas as colder air settles across the state, with the cold air lingering through the middle of next week.
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. You may not change the thermostat, but colder weather can still change how much energy you use. Your heating system runs longer to keep your home warm, which can increase your energy use and costs. Keeping it at the lowest comfortable setting can help.
- 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. Turn it down a couple of degrees while you’re away or set your smart thermostat schedule to automate the savings for you.
- Keep the heat where it belongs. The U.S. DOE 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 implemented easily and quickly, which make them ideal for times like this, when temperatures drop so significantly almost overnight,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina state president. “We hope our customers keep these practical tips in mind over the next few days to help them manage their energy use.”
For more energy efficiency tips, tools and resources, please visit duke-energy.com/WinterTips.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.
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