Duke Energy offers tips to save as temperatures remain high

Warmer-than-average temperatures continue in South Carolina this summer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration seasonal temperature outlook. Duke Energy is offering ways customers can take control of their energy use.

"As summer arrives, we are proactively sharing programs, tips, tools and assistance to help our customers manage their energy use," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president.

Take advantage of Usage Alerts to help save

Better predict what you'll spend on electricity by reviewing the Usage Alerts that arrive midway through a billing cycle. By having a smart meter and an email address on file, you'll automatically be enrolled to receive a Usage Alert notification that shows how much electricity you're using and how much it may cost in time to adjust.

Use our website, www.duke-energy.com/home, or the Duke Energy app at www.duke-energy.com/home/products/duke-energy-app to track your energy usage down to the hour, day or week. The goal is to see when energy use is spiking and adjust habits that may be driving it up. Simply sign in to your online account or create one at www.duke-energy.com/my-account/sign-in.

Savings programs and incentives

Duke Energy offers a variety of programs and incentives to help customers navigate seasonal energy use.

- Power Manager: Get rewarded by helping shift energy use away from peak periods. By enrolling one or more of your home's appliances in Power Manager, you'll be supporting clean energy goals. Plus, receive bill credits for making a difference in your community. Find out if you qualify at www.duke-energy.com/home/products/power-manager. (Please note: The name of this program may differ depending on where you live. EnergyWise Home and Bring Your Own Thermostat are the same thing as Power Manager.)

- Flex Savings Option: Customers who enroll in the Flex Savings Option at www.duke-energy.com/Home/Billing/Flex-Savings-Option can pay lower rates (as compared to the standard residential rate) by shifting their energy use to times of lower demand. Alternatively, rates will increase when customer demand is high and more people are using electricity.

- Smart $aver: Some customers can take advantage of about $1,500 in home rebates through the Smart $aver home improvement rebate program at www.duke-energy.com/home/products/smart-saver.

- Home Energy House Call: Consider a free home energy assessment, which can help lower your energy use. Valued at $180, this service helps you learn how your home uses energy and how you can save. An energy specialist will check your home for air leaks, examine your insulation levels, check your appliances and more. Sign up online at www.duke-energy.com/home/products/home-energy-house-call or call (844) 346.4366.

- Weatherization Program: Some customers can take advantage of our income-qualified Weatherization Program for single-family and multifamily units to help save money and reduce expenses through the installation of energy conservation measures in their home. The program is open to owners and renters with owner approval, and eligibility is determined by the weatherization office and an in-home assessment. See the program at www.duke-energy.com/home/products/income-qualified/weatherization.

Programs and incentives vary depending on which Duke Energy-served community you live in. See what savings programs you may be eligible for.

Payment assistance

Other customers may be eligible for further assistance. Installment Payment Plans at www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/payment-arrangements/installment-plans can help people who need flexibility with paying their energy bills. Duke Energy also works with local and state agencies to connect qualified customers with access to resources, including Share the Light Fund at www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/share-the-light and Low Income Home Energy Assistance programs at www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance/low-income-home-eap.

Visit our Special Assistance page at www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance for more information.

Low- to no-cost energy-saving tips and projects

Summer weather can contribute to higher energy use as your HVAC system works harder to keep you comfortable. The greater the temperature difference between the outside and the inside, the harder your AC unit must work.

Below are tips to help manage your energy use when temperatures rise.

- Inspect and service your HVAC. Have your HVAC system checked by a qualified heating and air-conditioning contractor to make sure it is operating efficiently. ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment, when properly installed, can yield annual energy bill savings of 10%-30%.

- Make sure cool air isn't escaping by checking windows, doors and vents for air leaks. Caulk, seal and use weatherstripping to block leaks, which can help save 10% to 20% in cooling costs.

- Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

- Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting or install a smart thermostat. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting. Keep in mind: Your system will run longer the hotter it is outside - even if your thermostat setting never changes. And, run heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours for additional savings.

- Operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction in the summer, which pushes cooler air back down into the room. If you use air conditioning to cool your home, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees, typically with no reduction in comfort.

- Close curtains and blinds during warm, sunny days to help prevent the sun from heating your home.

- There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes - use less water and use cooler water. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half.

For more information visit duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.