Energy Efficiency

North Carolina residents can take advantage of a wide variety of strategies and programs to increase energy efficiency and save money on electricity bills. Check below for tips and resources to help keep your energy costs low. 

Energy Efficiency at Home

Many households can benefit from an energy audit or assessment; these may be available free through your utility provider, or you can conduct your own energy audit at home. Energy audits will show you how to make your home more energy efficient, reducing energy usage and saving households money on utility bills. Audits can also reveal how to achieve the most savings with the least Invesment.

U.S. Department of Energy Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments

Homeowners can use energy efficiency strategies to create significant savings every month at low or no cost. 

  • Raise the thermostat setting in the summer (recommended 78 degrees) and lowering it in the winter (recommended 68 degrees) can make a significant difference. This is especially useful when away from home or on vacation.
  • Reduce your water heater temperature to about 120 degrees.
  • Use a fan in the summer, which allows you to use a higher air conditioning setting without sacrificing comfort. This is especially effective during long sleeping periods at night.
  • Use lighter weight bedding in the summer and heavier blankets in the winter to help with comfort in those seasons.
  • Turn off lighting and media when not needed.

Some low-cost energy efficiency strategies include insulating your water heater and exposed hot water pipes, using weatherstripping and caulking to seal gaps and holes around piping penetrations and cracks, and replacing older lighting with new LED lighting.

Energy Efficiency Assistance

To learn about energy efficiency opportunities in your area, use the database of state incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. This tool allows customers to input their ZIP code and find energy efficiency incentives and policies that apply to that location.  

There are several income-qualified programs in NC that will provide either free or reduced cost weatherization, HVAC replacement, and home repair services households with lower incomes. Each program has their own requirements and eligibility.

  • The NC Weatherization Assistance Program provides a range of weatherization services to low-income households.
  • County social services offices may run utility bill assistance programs that provides one-time utility bill payments. Eligibility information is available here.
  • Duke Energy customers may be able to access energy saving programs through the Neighborhood Energy Savers Program. Customers not in Duke Energy service territories can contact their utility to find out about other energy efficiency and renewable energy services and programs that they may qualify for.
  • The NC Housing Finance Agency operates a number of emergency repair and rehabilitation programs. These programs can offer roofing, plumbing and other repairs that impact safety or health. The programs are generally for elderly or low-income households. Find out about eligibility and services here.
     
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