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Energy Saving Tips from Duke Energy

As North Carolina braces for one of the coldest weekends of the season, Duke Energy has stepped in to help residents keep both their homes warm and their energy bills manageable. With a significant drop in temperatures, now is the time for practical energy-saving strategies that can result in substantial savings on heating costs.

Understanding the Cold Front

A massive cold front is sweeping across North Carolina, bringing with it the potential for frost and significantly cooler temperatures. The National Weather Service has forecast overnight temperatures dropping into the low to mid-30s in many areas, with these conditions expected to last through the middle of next week. This sudden change prompts Duke Energy to remind customers that they can take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of the colder weather on their energy consumption.

Set Your Thermostat Wisely

One of the simplest ways to save energy is to adjust your thermostat. Many people may find it easy to overlook this, but even a slight adjustment can greatly impact your energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that for each degree you lower your thermostat during an eight-hour period, you can save about 1% on heating costs. Consider turning down the temperature a few degrees while you're away or setting a schedule on your smart thermostat to automate savings.

Keep Heat Where It Belongs

It's essential to understand that a significant amount of your home’s heating energy—up to 30%—can escape through windows. Duke Energy encourages homeowners to take full advantage of natural sunlight during the day by opening blinds and curtains, allowing sunlight to warm their spaces. However, it’s equally crucial to close these coverings at night to help retain the heat inside.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks can substantially increase heating costs. According to the DOE, sealing these leaks in vents, windows, and doors can lead to savings between 10-20% in heating expenses. Utilizing caulking or weatherstripping can be a simple and effective way to ensure warmth stays inside your home.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

You might be surprised to learn that ceiling fans can also assist in keeping your home warm during the winter. Most ceiling fans come equipped with a small switch that allows you to change their direction. Setting the fans to turn clockwise pushes warm air back down into the room, making it feel warmer without solely relying on your heating system.

A Message from Duke Energy

Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina state president, highlights that these energy-saving measures are easy and quick to adopt, particularly during sudden drops in temperature. "We hope our customers keep these practical tips in mind over the next few days to help them manage their energy use," he said.

For additional tips, tools, and resources regarding energy efficiency, residents are encouraged to visit duke-energy.com/WinterTips.

About Duke Energy

Duke Energy, ranked among America's largest energy holding companies, serves a vast customer base across multiple states. With a commitment to modernizing energy strategies and providing efficient resources, Duke Energy aims to strengthen its service offerings while contributing to customer savings.

For more information about Duke Energy’s initiatives, follow the company on various social media platforms for updates and innovative stories about powering local communities.

For immediate assistance, Duke Energy customer service is available 24 hours a day at 800.559.3853.