[October 22, 2014] |
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How to Fix Five Sources of Energy Waste in Your Home for Less Than $20
PUEBLO, Colo. --(Business Wire)--
During Energy Awareness Month, Black Hills Energy is providing smart,
cost-effective fixes - many costing less than $20 - for Southern
Colorado residents to overcome five common sources of energy waste in
cold weather months.
"Nearly half of all energy use during the colder weather months is
dedicated to heating homes, according to the Environmental Protection
Agency," said Jill Linck, Energy Services Division for Black Hills
Energy. "We're no strangers to frigid temperatures in Colorado, so we
want to arm our customers with simple ways to increase heating
efficiency in their homes, as well as to check other, less obvious
sources of energy waste, including appliance use."
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Air leakage: Air leakage occurs when cold outside air enters
and warm air escapes through cracks and openings, increasing the cost
of keeping a home at a consistently comfortable temperature. Feel for
leaks by floating your hand around the perimeters of doors and
windows, electrical outlets, and even cable and telephone line entry
points, then seal any problem spots using caulk and a $5 caulking gun.
Adding weatherstripping to doors and windows is another low-cost way
to keep the winter chill out and the warm air in.
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Dirty air filters: Dirty furnace air filters can clog and cause
higher resistance of air flow, particularly during high-usage months,
resulting in more energy consumed. Diligent cleaning of air filters
each month for about $20 with filter spray and oil, and replacing them
about every three months keeps warm, clean air flowing in throughout a
home.
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Kitchen culprits: It's hard to resist opening the oven door to
check on baking cookies or a Thanksgiving turkey, but did you know the
temperature inside an oven drops 25 degrees every time the door is
opened while in use? This increases cook time and wastes energy.
Instead, turn on the oven light for a peek inside. When using the
stovetop, use the right-sized pot or pan for each burner - for
example, a six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner wastes 40 percent of
the burner's energy.
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Duct leaks from the furnace to the vent: HVAC ducts that leak
conditioned air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a
year to heating and cooling bills. Sealing seams with duct mastic
means a furnace doesn't have to work overtime to keep your family
cozy. Duct mastic is available for under $15 pe gallon, and can be
applied with an inexpensive paint brush.
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Thermostat control: Adjusting a thermostat down 5 degrees to 10
degrees while you're asleep or while you're out of the house can help
you save on heating and cooling bills, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy. Utilize programmable thermostats for when you're
typically out of the house, too. In general, a good rule of thumb is
to keep the thermostat set to 68 degrees.
"Taking proactive steps to increase a home's energy efficiency is one of
the quickest, most cost-effective ways to address energy consumption
during Southern Colorado's colder weather months," Linck said "In
addition to arming our customers with simple in-home fixes they can do
on their own to reduce energy waste during this time of year, we
encourage them to apply for one of our six residential energy efficiency
programs or connect with us to find out if they qualify for our Low
Income Weatherization program."
Residential energy efficiency programs available for application by all
residential Black Hills Energy customers include:
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Online Energy Evaluation: Answer a few short questions at
BHESaveMoney.com to receive the energy ranking for your home,
suggestions to improve efficiency and a three-year savings estimate.
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In-Person Home Energy Evaluation: Free home energy inspection
from a professional evaluator, including insulation levels, air
infiltration levels, equipment and operating conditions, and home
habits that influence energy usage.
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Electric Appliance Recycling Program: Turn in inefficient
refrigerators and stand-alone freezers to receive a $50 rebate per
unit - up to two each year. Also, in warmer months, receive a $30
rebate for turning in an inefficient window air conditioner.
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Rebate Offers: Many high-efficiency, ENERGY Star-rated
appliances qualify customers for rebates. From natural gas furnaces to
water heaters to dishwashers and TVs, a complete list of qualifying
appliances is available at BHESaveMoney.com.
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Solar Panel Incentives: Black Hills offers production-based
incentives based on the amount of solar electricity generated by
photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems.
In addition, Black Hills Energy's Low
Income Weatherization program works with the Colorado Energy Office
and Neighbor Works of Pueblo to pay the full cost for installation of
compact fluorescent lamps, high-efficiency refrigerators and, in warmer
months, window/wall evaporative cooler installations.
For more on these energy efficiency programs, plus additional
energy-saving ideas, visit www.BHESaveMoney.com.
Black Hills/Colorado Electric Utility Company, LP d/b/a Black Hills
Energy
Black Hills Energy serves 94,000 electric customers in 21 southeastern
Colorado communities. Black Hills Energy is a subsidiary of Black Hills
Corp. (NYSE: BKH), a growth-oriented, vertically-integrated energy
company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the
energy partner of choice. Black Hills Corp. is based in Rapid City, S.D
and serves 777,000 natural gas and electric utility customers in
Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
Black Hills Corp. also generates wholesale electricity and produces
natural gas, oil and coal. Black Hills Corp.'s 1,948 employees partner
to produce results that are improving life with energy. More information
is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.
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