July is typically the month when Hoosiers experience the hottest weather. And with soaring temperatures closing out this July, Duke Energy has tips to help you take control of your energy use while keeping you and your family cool.

• Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Even a couple of degrees can help save energy and money. Keep in mind: Your system will run longer – using more energy – the hotter it is outside, even if your thermostat setting never changes.
• Use cooler water for washing clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a laundry load's energy use in half.
• Run heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours for additional savings.
• Close curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home to help prevent the sun from heating your home.
• Operate ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction in the summer, which pushes cooler air back down into the room.
• Get a free home energy assessment. Duke Energy customers receive free energy-efficiency products, a customized usage report, low-cost tips, and expert recommendations to help them see energy savings by signing up for their free Home Energy House Call.
• Customers also can take advantage of rebates for equipment like HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and pool pumps, as well as upgrades like attic insulation through their Smart $aver program.
• Customers can receive a credit on their bill for automatically shifting their energy use to times when demand for energy is lower. Enroll your smart thermostat in their Power Manager® program.
• Also, interest-free installment payment plans can help customers who need flexibility with paying their energy bills. For more ways to save, visit www.duke-energy.com/SummerSavings.