Tips to help lower your electric bill during heat wave
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- We're officially into the summer season with temperatures at 90 degrees or more for the past 12 days.
Some are doing anything they can to keep cool, including dropping the temperature on their thermostat in their homes which puts strain on power companies to meet demand and can strain your wallet too.
"With the high temperatures we are seeing usage increase. At this point, we are able to meet customer demand and don't anticipate any problems with that," said Duke Energy Media Spokesperson Jeff Brooks. "But we do need our customers, certainly, to do their part."
That includes keeping the thermostat at a cool temperature that isn't too low and bringing the temperature back up when you leave the house.
Duke Energy told ABC11 that raising the thermostat up just a few degrees can make a big difference in your power bill.
"Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting, maybe 76 degrees. Just raising it 3 degrees can save you 15 percent or more on your energy bill," Brooks said. "Try to use fans where you can, because if you use a ceiling fan in the room, you can actually set your thermostat a little bit higher and still maintain the same level of comfort."
Brooks said keeping your air conditioning unit clean can also help cut costs too.
"A dirty air filter can significantly increase your energy usage and also make your AC unit work harder," Brooks said.
"Any time the temperature gets in the upper 90s - mid to upper 90's - it's uncomfortable inside," Julian Parker said.
Parker was having his air conditioning unit repaired Monday by Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning, an AC-repair company in Raleigh.
Their technicians told ABC11 that maintenance is key in making sure your unit will work hard for you all summer.
"Routine maintenance is the most important - having it inspected twice a year - having it cleaned is the most important part so it runs as efficiently as possible," said Todd Atkinson, an HVAC technician at Service Experts heating and Air Conditioning,
The same advice is echoed by Duke Energy.
"The air conditioner is the largest user of energy in your home. So maintaining it properly would really help to keep your energy cost lower and to keep your unit operation all during times like this when it's really being pushed to the max." Brooks said.
Experts from Duke Energy and Service Experts Heating and Air-Conditioning Service said one of the most important things you can do for your air conditioner is to change the filter every couple of months.
Brooks also added that keeping the blinds closed on the side of your home that gets the most sunlight, and switching your light bulbs from incandescent bulbs to something like LED bulbs, can help you keeping cooling costs down and save money on your energy bill.
