CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Warm weather in December meant lower energy bills, but more seasonal weather is in the forecast. Here are some tips to help save energy and money – no matter the winter weather.
- How low can you go? Lower your temperature and you could save up to 3 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat.
- Mind the gap. Seal air leaks around windows and doors. Use weather-stripping to keep your heat – and heating dollars – from flying away.
- 120 degrees please. Water heating can account for up to 25 percent of your energy bill. Set your electric water heater to 120 degrees to save.
- Free solar heating. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun's warm rays heat your home.
- Clear out the dirt. One of the easiest things customers can do to support heating efficiency is to change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which uses more energy.
- Maintain your HVAC. Have the HVAC system checked regularly by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to maintain efficiency and peak performance.
Want more ways to save? Visit www.duke-energy.com and click on "Save Energy & Money."
Energy assistance programs
Duke Energy offers programs across its service areas that provide financial support to local assistance agencies to help customers with their winter heating costs. Program information is available at duke-energy.com/community/programs/duke-energy-energy-assistance.asp.
Billing and payment options
Duke Energy offers a number of billing and payment options for customer convenience. Free paperless billing and online payment programs are also available. For more information, visit the "billing and payment" page at duke-energy.com.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.3 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 23 million people. It's Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
