As temperatures drop, utility providers offer tips to save on utility costs

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – As temperatures begin to drop, many people are preparing for the colder months ahead.

During the colder months, homes and businesses need extra energy for warmth and comfort. This, coupled with an increase in consumer prices, could lead to additional financial difficulties.

Black Hills Energy serves more than one million natural gas and electric customers in eight states. Nebraska Public Affairs Director Stephanie King advises checking heating appliances and security detectors before winter hits.

“As you turn on the heat, check your HVAC system and make sure it’s clean and free of debris and dust and change the filter. It’s a good time of year to do all these annual things as they change the stations, even how to change the smoke detector batteries or check the carbon monoxide detector if you have one, things like that,” King said.

Your thermostat setting will also have a big impact on your utility bills.

“Try not to run it too high and run it all the time and if you can get one of the pre-programmed thermostats or a smart thermostat that can make a difference as well, especially as you come and go throughout the day, so, that’s another thing you can do. You can also try to set the setting low enough that it’s comfortable for everyone in the house to not cause an argument,” King said.

Keeping the spaces around large appliances tidy can not only limit the fire hazard, but also save on utility costs, King said.

“Even things like cleaning around the fridge or the oven. Move them away from the wall, vacuum any dust around them, keep them nice and clean,” King said. “And, when you think about doing laundry, maybe try doing a few loads, and if you can combine loads, and you don’t have to do everything on hot. There are several things you can do to control your energy use with larger appliances.”

King said minor home repairs can also keep utility bills modest.

“Things like checking for leaks around windows and door seals. Make sure you have good seals in good condition,” King said. “You can also do some caulking if you’re a DIYer and feel comfortable doing these things yourself. You can buy some weatherstripping and put it in as long as you make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and not cracked and old .There’s a lot of advice available if people feel comfortable doing these things at home,” King concluded.

Additional energy saving tips can be found here.

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