PUEBLO, Colo. - January 9, 2020 — When unpredictable winter weather hits Southern Colorado, it can lead to increased energy use, which is why Black Hills Energy wants customers to know there are ways to save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. National Cut Your Energy Costs Day on Jan. 10 is the perfect time to brush up on money-saving tips and energy efficiency programs and rebates available to you.
“Saving energy can start with a simple check around your house for needed energy efficiency improvements, like unsealed gaps around windows and doors and dirty furnace filters,” said Patti Olenick, energy efficiency coordinator for Black Hills Energy. “You can also earn a sizable rebate by improving the efficiency of your home through insulation installation and similar thermal envelope measures – your wallet will thank you.”
Black Hills Energy provides rebates and helps customers save energy as a value-added service. Cost-cutting tips are listed at https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency-and-savings/energy-saving-tips. Residential and commercial/industrial rebates vary by location and can be found, along with applications, at www.energy-ready.com or by calling 888-567-0799.
Resources available to Black Hills Energy’s Southern Colorado residential customers include:
- Free pickup and a $50 cash-back incentive for recycling an old, inefficient electric refrigerator or freezer
- Earn an instant rebate of up to $5.00 for each ENERGY STAR rated LED light bulb purchase
- Collect a rebate for energy efficient air conditioning systems
- Sign up for an in-home professional audit valued at $600 for just $50 for residential customers
Saving money at home can also be as easy as tackling a few no- and low-cost projects, in addition to making simple lifestyle changes.
Energy-saving tips from Black Hills Energy include:
- Furnace: Routine maintenance and an annual furnace inspection will ensure your heating system is working safely and efficiently. Inspect your furnace filters monthly and be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for installing new filters.
- Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 68 degrees in winter and even lower when you’re away from home. Check the thermostat on your water heater, too. It should still be hot enough to wash dishes and take a steamy shower without having it at its highest level.
- Energy-efficient heating and appliances: Furnaces and home appliances are far more efficient than they were just a few years ago. Consider energy efficiency when replacing them to cut energy bills without sacrificing comfort and functionality.
- Insulation: You could save as much as 30 percent of your heating and cooling costs by better insulating your attic or top floor. You can save about 8 percent of your energy costs by insulating the floor over any unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, basements and garages.
- Weather-stripping and caulking: A quick, inexpensive way to decrease energy loss is to strip and caulk around windows and doors. Aluminum and vinyl stripping for the bottom of your exterior doors is fairly easy to install and will last for several years.
- Ventilating fans: Use kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans sparingly, or only as needed. In just one hour, these fans can blow all of the warm air out of your house.
- Natural heat: Open the blinds on all south-facing windows during the day and take down any exterior awnings to let the sun naturally heat your home and rely less on your heater.
Customers seeking additional tips and tools for reducing energy use and bills, can reach out to Black Hills Energy, view our Facebook and Twitter pages or visit www.energy-ready.com.