As the winter season approaches, Black Hills Energy has shared a set of recommendations aimed at helping households stay warm and manage their energy costs during the holidays.
The company highlights the benefits of switching to LED holiday lights, noting that “LED lights use up to 90% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last up to 50 times longer.” In addition to cost savings, these lights remain cool to the touch, reducing fire risks. For those looking to brighten their homes further without increasing electricity use, decorations such as tinsel, mirrors, and reflective ornaments are suggested as alternatives.
Addressing home insulation, Black Hills Energy advises homeowners to seal drafts and air leaks by caulking or weatherstripping windows and doors. This step can improve energy efficiency throughout the year.
To further control electricity usage during the festive period, setting holiday light timers is recommended. According to the company: “A good schedule will turn lights on around sunset and shut them back off after peak viewing hours. For example, you could set the timer so that your holiday lights are on from 4-10 p.m., which would have lights on when most people return from work and turn them off around when most people head to bed for the night.” The use of smart timers or smart plugs is also mentioned for those interested in automated adjustments.
Electrical safety remains a concern during this period. Black Hills Energy urges consumers not to overload outlets and recommends using surge protectors. The company adds: “Before you turn on your decorations, check for frayed wired or broken bulbs. Frayed wires are particularly dangerous and can lead to housefires, so pay close attention before plugging anything in, and replace damaged decorations with more energy-efficient LED lights.”
Managing heating costs is another area addressed in the tips provided. Heating can account for nearly half of winter energy consumption. The use of programmable thermostats is encouraged as it allows homeowners to automate temperature changes based on their schedules. The company notes there may be rebates available for upgrading thermostats.
During gatherings, lowering the thermostat slightly can help maintain comfort levels due to body heat generated by guests while saving on heating expenses.
Cooking efficiently is also covered among the suggestions. Black Hills Energy recommends organizing ingredients beforehand and baking multiple dishes simultaneously to reduce oven usage time. Avoiding frequent opening of the oven door prevents heat loss. Additionally, extended cooking can raise kitchen temperatures enough that homeowners might lower their thermostat settings.
Black Hills Energy concludes its advice by encouraging customers to explore potential rebates when implementing energy-efficient measures this season.
