Even when autumn weather is unpredictable and temperatures fluctuate, you can prepare for the cold and save energy and money. You can use these simple low-cost tips and tricks for ways to be more energy efficient around your home when temperatures drop.
Clean air vents
Replace filters on the furnace or heat pump every month or as needed. Changing filters removes dust and pet hair.
Cleaning dust and hair from your vents and air returns also helps to ensure your furnace can run efficiently. Make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes.
Check blinds and curtains
On cooler days, take advantage of heat from the sun by opening blinds and curtains. Close the curtains when the sun goes down to capture the heat.
Deciduous trees on the south side of your home will let light and warmth in during winter and will shade the windows in the summer.
Use a smart thermostat
Fall weather can be unpredictable – upgrading to a smart thermostat can help balance those temperature swings. When you're asleep at night or out of the house during the day, turning the temperature back for eight hours can save as much as 10% a year.
The programmable thermostat does it for you. And you can control it from your mobile device.
Prepare your home
On cooler days, put on socks and a sweatshirt instead of turning on the heat or turning up your thermostat. If it's cold outside, you can look cool inside.
Duke Energy customers in some jurisdictions may be eligible for a free home energy assessment. An energy specialist will check your home for air leaks, examine your insulation, check appliances. You’ll also get a free Energy Efficiency Starter Kit. Check your eligibility here.
Seal air leaks
Check seals around doors, windows, pipes and chimneys and caulk, seal and weatherstrip any cracks, gaps or leaks before the weather gets cold to keep the warm air inside and the cool air outside. Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on walls.
You can save 10% to 20%, energy.gov says, on your heating and cooling bills by sealing air leaks.
More ways to save energy
Explore no-cost and low-cost tips to help you use less energy. Click here for more ways to be more energy efficient.
