Here are some ways to save energy and help manage higher seasonal bills


By Ken Muth
Duke Energy

As the summer season is coming to a close, it’s a good time to remind everyone about ways to save energy not just now, but throughout the year. You may also find it helpful to know what resources are available to help manage higher seasonal bills, and steps you can take to better manage energy use and costs.

Sealing drafty openings is an important step to lowering energy costs (File photo)

Some practical steps to manage energy use include:

• Raising the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting during the warm months of summer and lowering the thermostat to the coolest comfortable setting during the colder months of fall and winter. Every degree counts in helping you save on your bill.

• Consider installing a “smart” or programmable thermostat to reduce energy use while you are asleep or away.

• Change your air filters routinely (every 1-3 months).

• Run full loads of dishes to take advantage of the hot water being used. And when running loads of laundry, use cold water since most detergents and washers work great using the “cold” setting.

• Unplug standing appliances. Any appliances you leave plugged in, like phone chargers or razors, use energy even when they’re not in use – especially those with a big charging block or ‘brick’.

• Seal air ducts. Make sure the air ducts from your home’s furnace and central air conditioner are properly sealed. Ducts that leak into the attic or crawl space can substantially increase your heating and cooling bills.

• Seal your home. One of the quickest energy-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weather-strip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. This can save 10-20 percent on heating and cooling bills. Cold winter months are a great time to see if you have air leaks. Feel around outlets, windows and doors when it’s below freezing outside. Any drafts will be quite noticeable.

• Consider insulation for ceiling, floors, and walls. Insulation between the indoors and outdoors reduces energy demand, saving money while improving the comfort of your home.

Ken Muth

Beyond helping our customers manage their energy use, Duke Energy supports and connects our customers to available assistance through various tools and programs. Our Share the Light Fund® assists qualifying customers in paying energy bills regardless of the energy source used. Two of our community partners, The Brighton Center and Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, help connect customers with a partner agency in their area to submit an application for assistance.

Customers may visit Seasonal Energy Tips Fall/Winter – Duke Energy for helpful information about lowering your heating expenses this coming season.

Ken Muth is government and community relations manager for Duke Energy. He lives in Northern Kentucky.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *