Try these 5 tips to keep your Charlotte home cool this summer without breaking the bank
It’s officially summer in Charlotte, with temperatures forecast to push 90 degrees this week. And for many, that means higher electric bills as the air conditioner kicks on.
But, experts say, there are steps you can take at home to keep your payments in check without having to sweat out the season in discomfort.
Here are tips to keep your energy costs down during this North Carolina summer:
Maintain your cooling system
Making sure any and all cooling systems in your home are well-maintained not only reduces the risk that they’ll break on a hot summer day but also can maximize “energy affordability,” the Department of Energy notes.
The agency recommends that you “schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment,” including air conditioners, evaporative coolers and heat pumps.
Look into rebate programs
If you need to do some work on your home to make it more energy efficient, you may be eligible for rebates to help cover the cost of the work.
Duke Energy, for example, offers rebates on items such as HVAC systems and attic insulation.
Use your thermostat efficiently
You should “set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control if needed,” the Department of Energy advises. “The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.”
And in summer, the agency adds, “keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling.”
You should “avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner.”
“It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense,” the energy department says.
Changing your thermostat will likely have a real impact on your electric bill, per Duke Energy.
“Depending on the season, increasing (in warmer months) or lowering (in cooler months) the temperature on your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% on your energy bill,” the company says.
Pick the right lighting and window treatments
Lighting and window treatments may seem like largely aesthetic choices when designing a home, but your decisions may impact your monthly bills, the Department of Energy notes.
The agency recommends homeowners “install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows during the day.”
You should also, the agency says, “consider lighting options that operate at cooler temperatures” and “take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting.”
Consider financial assistance
If you’re going through a difficult time financially, there is financial assistance available to some, including payment plans and due date extensions.
For information on available assistance plans with Duke Energy, visit duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance.
