Tips to lower your HVAC costs on hot, summer nights: Weather IQ

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A combination of scorching days and sweltering nights on the rise and could lead to health risks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Heat can have a major impact on your health and sleeping patterns during the summer months in the Carolinas due to scorching hot days and sweltering nights. 

In an effort to beat the heat while catching up on much-needed sleep, let’s take a closer look at the impact of warmer nighttime temperatures. First, without proper cooling, your health can be impacted. 

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And it’s not unusual for folks to crank the air conditioning after a 90-degree day. 

“A hot night after a really hot day, it is not unusual to see usage stay really high,” Duke Energy spokesperson Logan Stewart said. “So instead of dropping off, the demand on the grid and customer demand stays really high.”

Climate Central data shows a shift in warmer nighttime temperatures across the U.S. dating back to the 1970s. In Charlotte, scorching days followed by sweltering nights are on the rise from 2014 to 2023 compared to 1970 to 1979. Hot nights can limit your body’s ability to cool off and recover from a long, hot day. 

The same goes for your home’s HVAC system. 

“There can be a lot of heat accumulated during the day in your home, especially in those attic spaces,” Stewart said. “If you’ve got a bit attic or some of those storage spaces, we call that radiating heat and a lot of the radiating hit sits and pushes your system and makes it work a lot longer and harder.”

Stewart says there’s a huge difference between an energy-efficient home and a non-efficient home when it comes to your power bill. She said many people will replace old insulation and keep up with basic maintenance, like replacing dirty air filters. 

“Maybe they’ve invested in a smart thermostat, an Energy Star water heater or other appliances, LED lights, as another example,” Stewart said. 

Taking steps to make your home more energy efficient can make a big difference when it comes to beating the heat on a hot day with less impact on your wallet. 

Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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