This October marks the 30th year of celebrating Energy Awareness Month. As temperatures across Wyoming begin to cool, it can mean increased energy use at home, so Black Hills Energy is encouraging residents to consider weatherization projects and behavioral changes that reduce wasted energy and save money on monthly energy bills.

“As we adjust our routines and prepare our homes for the changing seasons, we’re here to educate our customers on ways to save energy and start planning now for higher home heating bills during the cold months ahead,” said Mark Stege, vice president of operations for Wyoming. “We want to encourage our customers to be energy aware by taking advantage of easy and affordable upgrades that conserve energy.”

Black Hills Energy is ready to help people reduce wasted energy and manage their energy use through simple tips and projects:

• 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 holes around outlets: Hardware stores sell Styrofoam plugs to seal off energy loss around outlets and light switches inside your home or business. Be sure to follow installation and safety recommendations.

• Keep up with 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 every three months and have a professional check-up each year. 

• Install a programmable thermostat: 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 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. Black Hills Energy is committed to providing safe, reliable energy, and is closely monitoring the current and forecasted price and supply of natural gas. For updates on how Black Hills Energy is ready to respond to a more dynamic natural gas marketplace than seen in recent years, visit www.blackhillsenergy.com/winter-ready.