Manage Your Energy Usage and Save Money During the Hottest Weeks of Summer
Image: Pexels

Manage Your Energy Usage and Save Money During the Hottest Weeks of Summer

Practical tips to keep your cooling costs in check as temperatures soar

August 1, 2025

Summers in our region continue to bring record highs, and that spike in temperature often translates into a spike on your energy bill. Whether you rely on central air, window units, fans or a combination, thoughtful adjustments can shave hundreds of dollars off your annual cooling costs. Below are comprehensive strategies, from simple thermostat tweaks to enrolling in state assistance programs—that North Carolina residents can use to manage usage, improve efficiency and secure financial relief if needed.

1. Optimize your thermostat settings

Every degree you raise your air conditioner’s setpoint can cut cooling costs by roughly 3–5%. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping thermostats at 78°F when you’re home and bumping up to 82–85°F when away. Programmable or smart thermostats automate these adjustments. If yours is manual, simply turn it up before you leave and lower it again 30 minutes before you return to avoid blasting cold air at peak electricity rates. Some utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans, ask Duke Energy about their Peak Time Savings Program to pay less by shifting consumption away from afternoon peaks.

2. Maintain your HVAC system

Dirty filters and poorly tuned equipment can increase energy use by up to 15%. Replace or clean filters at least monthly during heavy-use periods. Schedule a professional tune-up each spring: technicians will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, calibrate controls and inspect ductwork for leaks. Sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces prevents cooled air from vanishing before it reaches living areas.

3. Seal air leaks and improve insulation

Air infiltration can account for 10–30% of heating and cooling energy use. Weatherstrip and caulk gaps around doors, windows and attic hatches. Install door sweeps on exterior entries. In older homes, add or replace attic insulation to at least R-38. Use foam sealant around plumbing penetrations, electrical outlets and recessed lighting fixtures. A well-sealed, insulated envelope keeps cool air in and hot air out.

4. Leverage ceiling and portable fans

Fans create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer to push air downward. Use portable fans in occupied rooms, and turn them off when you leave, fans cool people, not rooms. Combining fans with a 3–4° higher thermostat setpoint can cut energy use significantly.

5. Block solar heat gain

Sunlight streaming through windows can add up to 30% of your cooling load. Close blinds, shades or blackout curtains on south- and west-facing windows during peak sun hours. Consider installing energy-efficient window film or exterior shading devices like awnings and pergolas. Reflective roofing or “cool roof” coatings can also lower attic temperatures and reduce stress on HVAC systems.

6. Cook and clean outdoors or off-peak

Oven and stove use generates indoor heat, and raises air conditioner run time. In summer, fire up the grill or prepare no-cook meals. Run dishwashers and laundry machines at night or early morning when outdoor temperatures—and electricity demand—are lower. If your utility offers discounted off-peak rates, set timers on major appliances to take advantage of lower pricing.

7. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment

If your air conditioner or heat pump is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. New units use up to 20% less energy. Look for high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, 14 SEER or above for central systems. For window-mounted units, choose models with the ENERGY STAR® label. Replacing a failing system during hot weather can be costly, so plan upgrades in spring or fall.

8. Utilize smart power strips and LED lighting

Vampire loads from electronics and standby modes can add unnecessary kilowatt-hours. Plug home office equipment, entertainment systems and phone chargers into smart power strips that turn off power when devices enter standby. Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75% less energy and emit less heat, lowering cooling loads.

9. Explore solar and renewable options

North Carolina’s net metering policy allows residential solar installations to earn credits for excess generation. Duke Energy customers can pair rooftop solar with battery storage or enroll in community solar programs. Over time, solar panels can offset 50–100% of summer electricity use, dramatically cutting or eliminating peak-season bills.

10. Implement zone cooling where possible

If your home’s layout allows, close vents and doors in unused rooms. Consider adding ductless mini-splits to cool only occupied areas like bedrooms and home offices. Mini-splits provide high efficiency and individual control, reducing the need to cool the entire house when only a few rooms are in use.

Payment Assistance and State Programs

Even with efficiency measures, high bills can strain budgets. North Carolina offers several assistance programs:

  • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): Helps income-eligible households cover heating and cooling costs. Apply through your county Department of Social Services.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program: Provides free home improvements, insulation, airtightness, heat-pump upgrades—to reduce energy burdens for low-income families. Contact the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency at ncosfm.gov/ORR.
  • Duke Energy Assistance: Customers struggling to pay may qualify for flexible payment plans, budget billing or bill credits. Call Duke Energy Customer Care at 1-800-777-9898 or visit their website for assistance links.
  • Energy Efficiency Rebates: Incentives for HVAC upgrades, smart thermostats, insulation and lighting. Check the NC Utilities Commission database at ncuc.net or Duke Energy’s rebates portal.

Monitoring and Behavioral Changes

Tracking your usage is essential. Many utilities offer online dashboards or mobile apps showing hourly consumption. Identify spikes and adjust habits accordingly, turn off unused lights, unplug chargers and avoid peak afternoon usage. Encourage family members to adopt simple routines: shower in the morning, use window fans at night and limit heat-producing activities during the hottest hours.

North Carolina Regulatory and Consumer Resources

  • NC Utilities Commission: Consumer protection, rate case filings and energy saving resources at ncuc.net
  • NC Department of Environmental Quality: Energy Office programs and sustainability guides at deq.nc.gov/energy
  • Local Community Action Agencies: Administer LIEAP and weatherization in each county, find contacts at nccommunityaction.org
  • Duke Energy Peak Time Savings: Enroll online or via app to earn bill credits for reducing use during system peaks
  • Energy.gov: National database of rebates and tax credits for renewable and efficiency upgrades

By combining straightforward behavioral changes, targeted equipment upgrades and leveraging state assistance, North Carolina residents can stay comfortable during peak summer months without breaking the bank. Start with small steps, raising the thermostat, sealing leaks or installing LEDs—and build toward larger investments like solar or heat-pump replacements. Even incremental improvements add up to substantial savings on your next power bill.