Black Hills Energy released on Mar. 5 a set of recommendations to help homeowners prepare their houses for the upcoming spring season and warmer temperatures.
The guidance is intended to help residents transition smoothly into the new season, ensuring comfort, safety, and energy efficiency as days grow longer and temperatures rise.
Among the suggestions, Black Hills Energy advises homeowners to ready their air conditioning units before hot weather arrives. This includes clearing debris from around outdoor units, gently rinsing coils with a garden hose, and scheduling professional maintenance to check refrigerant levels and electrical connections. The company also notes that Service Guard customers may be eligible for additional savings when scheduling inspections or maintenance through its online portal.
Testing thermostats ahead of summer is recommended by setting them below room temperature to ensure proper cooling function. Black Hills Energy suggests considering an upgrade to smart or programmable thermostats, which can save up to 8% on heating and cooling bills annually. Rebates are available to offset purchase and installation costs.
For those with older air conditioners, the company highlights the benefits of replacing outdated equipment with high-efficiency heat pumps or air conditioning units. New heat pumps can save around $300 per year in certain climates, while high-efficiency air conditioners can reduce energy use for cooling by up to 50% when combined with other measures.
Additional tips include reversing ceiling fan direction for optimal airflow during warm months, cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage as snow melts or rain falls, repairing window screens to keep insects out while letting fresh air in, checking weatherstripping and seals for drafts, and conducting home energy assessments. Black Hills Energy offers free home energy assessments to help customers identify ways to improve efficiency and lower utility bills.
The company also encourages homeowners to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during spring cleaning, replace batteries as needed, inspect fire extinguishers, and restock emergency supplies.
“Warmer days are on the way, and taking some of these steps now will help you be ready well before summer shows up,” Black Hills Energy said.
