• Cover all bare floors. Carpeting or rugs add to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
• Raise the temperature slowly to keep your bill lower. Quickly raising your heat pump's temperature activates the heat strip, which uses tons of energy.
• Set your thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day in the winter, and 65-68 degrees at night to keep your home comfortable and save on heating costs.
• Close the flue in your fireplace and install glass doors to keep in the warm air.
• Limit your use of portable heaters. They’re great for "spot" heating, but running a 1,500-watt heater 24/7 can be expensive.
• Keep your thermostat close to the outside temperature – it’s cheaper to keep your home at 70°F when it’s 50°F outside than when it’s 30°F.
• Don’t block air vents with drapes and furniture.
• Get an energy-efficient heat pump and you could cut your heating costs in half. Duke Energy Progress offersrebates up to $300 to help you upgrade.
• Change the filters in your heating system every month for optimum efficiency.
• Give your air compressor space to work efficiently. Never stack anything against your HVAC or drape anything over it.
• Set your thermostat to 60 degrees if going on vacation during the winter months, but don’t turn it off.
• Heat your home with the sun's help. Leave window shades or blinds open during the daytime. And consider using solar heat to supplement your normal heating source.
• Lower your thermostat every time you leave the house.