How to save money on energy while staying cool in Indiana’s summer heat

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — This year, the summer heat in Indiana has soared into triple-digit feels-like temperatures, making it challenging for Hoosiers to stay cool while not spending too much on their electric bills. That’s why Duke Energy is offering these tips to help you save on energy and money during the summer.

Duke Energy tips to save energy and money:

Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting:

While most people like to keep their house at around a cool 70 degrees during the summer months, Duke Energy says setting your thermostat even a couple of degrees higher can help save energy and, most importantly, money on your next electric bill.

Duke says to keep in mind that your system will run longer the hotter it is outside, even if your thermostat setting never changes, leading to more energy being used.

Use cooler water for washing clothes:

Switching your washer’s temperature setting could also help you save big on next month’s electric bill. Duke Energy says switching from hot to warm water can cut a laundry load’s energy use nearly in half.

Stack that up over a month of washing clothes, and you may see a huge decrease in the amount you owe on your electric bill.

Keep the house cool with curtains and ceiling fans:

Closing curtains/blinds and switching your fan to rotate in the right direction can help cool down your living space significantly without having to change your thermostat.

Duke Energy says closing curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home can help prevent the sun from naturally heating your home up.

Making sure your ceiling fans are rotating in a counterclockwise direction can also help cool your home off. When a fan is rotating in a counterclockwise direction, it will push air back down into the room. On most ceiling fans, this setting can be adjusted by a switch located on the fan itself.

Duke Energy also recommends using heat-producing appliances during the cooler morning hours.

Duke Energy savings programs and payment assistance:

Duke Energy also offers its customers multiple savings programs and incentives, like its free home energy assessment, Smart $aver rebate program, and Power Manager® program. 

Customers who need flexibility with paying their energy bills can sign up for interest-free installment payment plans. More info on that payment option can be found here.