Save Energy, Money and Time This Spring

By Guest Blogger Brittany Lyke

It seems like the holidays just finished, but somehow it’s almost the end of March. With the second half of the school year in full swing and plenty of things to concentrate on at work and at home, those little ‘if only’ projects we all hope to finish around the house can be all too easily overlooked. (And if you’re like me, it can seem impossible to muster the willpower to tackle that to-do list when spring ushers in these glorious 75 degree days!) So before the nice weather beckons you outside for good, seize a rainy weekend to complete a few quick and easy projects that will save you energy, money and time all year round.

Get Your Free CLFs

If you’re a Duke Energy customer, you could qualify for up to 15 free compact florescent light bulbs. Changing out the six most used incandescent light bulbs in your home can save you $180 over their lifetime—and the more you switch, the more you’ll save. Visit www.duke-energy.com/freecfls to see if your family qualifies.

Schedule an A/C Checkup

You might be wondering why I’m talking about air conditioning in March, but the truth is that heating and air conditioning costs can amount to as much as 50 – 70% of your total summer electric bill. In most homes, a standalone air conditioning unit is the single biggest user of electricity, so it’s important to be sure yours is working correctly. Set an appointment with a local HVAC technician early in the season and you’ll save money (and other possible maintenance related headaches) this summer.

Open and Close Those Shades

Ever notice how wonderfully warm the interior of a car parked in a sunny spot can feel, even on a cold day? The geek term for that is ‘solar gain’, and you can do the same thing inside your home to help cut down on heating costs (or block those rays to lower cooling costs). Before leaving for work or errands in the morning, open or close blinds or shades depending on the weather outside. You’ll be surprised how much cozier the room will feel without having to adjust the thermostat.

Go Paperless

By signing up for paperless billing from Duke Energy, you’ll have less paper piling up on the kitchen counter while also being friendlier to mother nature. Go paperless now: http://www.duke-energy.com/paperless
Check these projects off your list, and you’ll be on your way to saving energy, money and time this spring and for years to come.