Nebraska households can expect to spend more to heat their homes this winter compared with last year. Fuel prices are rising and demand has increased over the previous winter. Brandy Johnson with Black Hill Energy tells KLIN News says now is the time to prepare.
“Weather stripping your home, making sure your doors and windows are tight and getting a tune up for your furnace, make sure that’s in good working order and change your furnace filter regularly,” Johnson says.
Customers worried about affording their bill are encouraged to enroll in Budget Billing, a free payment plan that averages the amount owed each month. This budget option supports customers looking to avoid the seasonal increases in bills that result during extreme weather by averaging out their usage over a 12-month period.
Johnson says how much customers will pay will depend on what the winter weather brings. Black Hills Energy has some simply, easy tips and projects to help customers manage their energy use.
- Weather-strip your windows and doors – Did you know as much as 7-12% of a building’s heating and cooling loss occurs around windows and doors? Installing foam-backed tape around windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive way to keep chilly temperatures outside.
- Seal cracks with caulk – Check the perimeters of windows, doors or where wood siding meets concrete foundation for signs of air leaks. Apply caulk to seal cracks and joints to keep drafts and moisture out of your home.
- Plug up the holes around outlets – Hardware stores sell Styrofoam plugs to seal off energy loss around outlet plugs and light switches inside your home or business. Be sure to follow installation and safety recommendations.
- Keep up with regular furnace maintenance – Your heating system, whether gas or electric, is probably your home’s largest energy user in the winter. It can also be an energy waster if you don’t use it wisely. Clean furnace filters each month, replace filters at least every three months and have a professional check-up each year.
- Install a programmable thermostat – Installing a programmable thermostat is an excellent way to reduce wasted energy overnight and while you’re out of the house. If health concerns aren’t a factor, set your thermostat to 68 degrees during winter months and reduce it by a couple of degrees while you’re sleeping.
- Let the sun do the work – Open blinds on all south-facing windows to let the sun naturally heat your home during the day. Particularly for those spending more time at home these days, this prevents you from having to run the heat 24/7 and will save you from having to turn on additional lights.
- Switch your bulbs – Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and save money — especially since you’re likely home more often and have the lights on during the colder months of the year
For more ways to save energy and money this winter, visit www.energy-ready.com.