Contractors Armed With Duke Energy Tips Can Help Homeowners Stay Warm, Save Money

Communities have experienced sustained periods of subfreezing temperatures the past few weeks, and winter’s deep chill can lead to higher bills. Duke Energy's simple tips to help cut heating bills, such inspecting and/or upgrading ductwork, insulation, air-sealing and fireplace operation, can help.

• Check a heating system's ductwork to ensure that it is well insulated and completely covered. Ductwork should be properly sealed and not allowed to hang loose under the house.
• Check the heating system each season using a qualified technician to make sure it is operating properly. Heating and cooling account for approximately half of a house’s energy bill.
• Check to make sure the house is adequately insulated. Insulated or storm windows and doors can help reduce unwanted heat loss.
• Seal cracks or crevices where two different building materials meet and weather-strip around all doors and windows. Weather-strip between heated and unheated areas such as garages, basements and attics.
• Always make sure the fireplace damper seals tightly and remains closed except when a fire is burning or smoldering in the fireplace.
• Insulate water heaters with at least R-6 insulation.
• Reversing the direction of the ceiling fan blades to push warm air down into the room. Fans should turn counter-clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter.
• Make sure heating registers and vents are clean and not blocked.

>Utilities such as Duke Energy help customers save money through an Online Services program. Once registered, customers can complete a brief survey to create a Personalized Energy Report with customized recommendations for saving energy and money for their house, gain insights into how their house uses energy and how it compares to similar houses.