With the end of daylight saving time, it’s time to lock in energy savings ahead of the winter season – when energy usage typically increases.
Take advantage of Duke Energy’s self-service platforms, home improvement rebate programs and other tools to help households make informed decisions, take greater control of their energy use and save money.
Energy-saving solutions
Prepare your home for cooler temperatures by scheduling a free home energy assessment. Once completed, you’ll receive a free energy efficiency kit and customized usage report, as well as low-cost tips and expert recommendations to help you see energy savings.
Millions of Duke Energy customers can take advantage of these free assessments; in-person, virtual and self-led options are available.
- Click here to schedule an assessment if you live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky or Indiana.
- Florida customers can schedule an assessment here.
Another way customers can save is through the Smart $aver® home improvement rebate programs. Insulating and sealing your home ahead of the winter months will help keep warm air in and cold air out, so you don’t need to use your heating system as much.
- Customers who live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Indiana can find more information here.
- Florida customers can also take advantage of these home improvement rebates.
Better predict what you’ll spend on electricity by reviewing Usage Alerts that arrive midway through a billing cycle. By having a smart meter and an email address on file, customers are automatically enrolled to receive Usage Alert notifications, showing how much electricity they’ve used – and how much it may cost them – in time to adjust their habits for the remainder of the billing cycle. Track your energy usage down to the hour by signing in to your online account or create one here.
Low- to no-cost energy-saving tips and projects
In addition to our programs, incentives and rates, customers can also use these low- to no-cost tips to save energy this season:
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the temperature inside your home and outside, the lower your energy usage and the greater the savings.
- Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which uses more energy and can increase costs.
- Schedule a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor to check your heating systems to maintain efficiency and peak performance.
- Manage water heating. Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second biggest user of energy in your home.
- Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny winter days to allow the sun's rays to warm the house and close them at night to help insulate your home.
- Check windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulking, sealing and weatherstripping leaks can save 10% to 20% in heating costs.
- Replace standard bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are more efficient than regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light. Replacing just six of your most frequently used bulbs with LEDs can save up to $480 over the lifetime of the bulbs.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter, which pushes warm air back down into the room. Turn the fan off when you leave the room.
Find more ways you can save by visiting our Season of Savings webpage: duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
