CONSERVING ENERGY IN EACH ROOM OF YOUR HOME.
- Home Office: Plug multiple electronics into a smart power strip with programmable timer or motion detector.
- Bedroom: Set ceiling fan direction to clockwise in winter to draw up cold air and counter-clockwise in warm months.
- Bathroom: Switch to 10-minute showers and change to a low-flow showerhead of 2.4 gallons per minute.
- Living Room: Use the programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures 10-15 degrees while you are away or sleeping.
- Kitchen: Move oven rack closer to heating unit to cut cooking time up to 20%. Get new seal on refrigerator door.
- Basement: Seal small gaps with caulk, fill holes with spray foam, and cover large holes with spray foam and foam board.
- Garage: Install weather-stripping around the garage door; attach fiberglass duct wrap or foamed insulation panels inside.
COOLING ENERGY SAVING TIPS
- Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counter-clockwise direction In the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.
- Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
- Change or clean your ACs air filters at least once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.
- Make sure your AC has a rating – or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) – of 15. Not only will your AC be more efficient, you could also be eligible for a rebate up to $300.
- Make saving automatic: Set your thermostat fan switch to “auto” to save energy. Leaving it in the “on” position keeps air running constantly.
- Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.
- Insulate your walls with injected foam insulation to help you save energy by keeping hot outside air from seeping through porous block walls – check with your local building supply company for details.
- Give your AC tune-up. Running an inefficient AC system can result in high monthly bills. Plus, you could qualify for a rebate.
- Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.
- Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs and qualify for a rebate up to $120 toward repairs.
- Install attic insulation rated R-30 and sealing any attic leaks to reduce high home cooling costs. You’ll save money each month and qualify for a rebate of $75 or more.
- Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.
- Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-colored curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light-colored paint to reflect heat.
- Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.
- Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home.
- Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave – they only cool people, not rooms.
- Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.
- Raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on your cooling costs.
- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature during the day.
HEATING SAVING TIPS
- Cover all bare floors. Carpeting or rugs add to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
- Raise the temperature slowly to keep your bill lower. Quickly raising your heat pump’s temperature activates the heat strip, which uses tons of energy.
- Lower your thermostat temperature to the lowest temperature that is comfortable to your family. You may save as much as 3 percent on your energy bill for each degree you lower your thermostat. Reduce your thermostat setting at night and/or when you are away.
- Close the flue in your fireplace and install glass doors to keep in the warm air.
- Limit your use of portable heaters. They’re great for “spot” heating, but running a 1,500-watt heater 24/7 can be expensive.
- Keep your thermostat close to the outside temperature – it’s cheaper to keep your home at 70F when it’s 50F outside than when it’s 30F.
- Don’t block air vents with drapes and furniture.
- Get an energy-efficient heat pump and you could cut your heating costs in half. Duke Energy Progress offers rebates up to $300 to help you upgrade.
- Change the filters in your heating system every month for optimum efficiency.
- Give your air compressor space to work efficiently. Never stack anything against your HVAC or drape anything over it.
- Set your thermostat to 60 degrees if going on vacation during the winter months, but don’t turn it off.
- Heat your home with the sun’s help. Leave window shades or blinds open during the daytime. And consider using solar heat to supplement your normal heating source.
- Lower your thermostat every time you leave the house.
LIGHTING SAVING TIPS
SAVING ENERGY ON HOME APPLIANCES
- Buy bulbs for less. Check out the Duke Energy Progress Residential Lighting Program to find local retailers who offer energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs at discounted prices. Refrigeration supply near me