PUEBLO, Colo. – July 12, 2023 – Energy customers are ready to enjoy all that summer brings in Colorado. As temperatures rise, Black Hills Energy is sharing tips to help customers stay cool, but also save money and manage their energy use.

“When it comes to cooling our homes, we naturally focus on comfort. That’s why we want to remind customers of the steps they can take to stay cool while also managing their energy useage – like using programmable thermostats and or sealing gaps in windows that leak,” said Floyd Wolf, Black Hills Energy general manager for Colorado Electric. “We also offer various programs – like Budget Billing, energy efficient equipment rebates and payment assistance programs – which are part of our commitment to help customers manage their bills and energy useage year-round.”

Here are several tips to keep energy useage and costs down when temperatures rise:

• Use a programmable thermostat: Program your thermostat to raise the temperature automatically by at least five degrees when no one is home. While you’re at home, set the thermostat close to 78 degrees, or as high as you can while staying comfortable, and use fans to circulate air. A smart thermostat can reduce your energy bill up to 15% in warmer weather.
• Inspect your home for air leaks: Check for proper insulation and air leaks to help reduce energy waste and keep cool air in. Caulking and weather stripping can help improve energy efficiency.
• Replace your air conditioning filters: Replace your filters every three months and charge your air conditioner with coolant. Plan for your air conditioner to be properly serviced annually and clear the area around it outside so it’s free of vegetation and debris. Black Hills Energy offers air conditioner checks and repairs – visit blackhillsenergy.com/service-guard to schedule an appointment and check your eligibility.
• Move household electronics away from thermostats: Household electronics – such as lamps, computers and televisions – emit heat and can unintentionally trigger the air conditioner.
• Not using it? Unplug it: Unplug office equipment like printers, shredders, and scanners as well as household appliances like your coffee maker or toaster to keep them from drawing energy when not in use.
• Adjust your ceiling fan: Change the direction of your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in summer, pushing cooler air down.
• Install an attic ventilator: An attic ventilating system can draw cool air up through the house and provide as much comfort as air conditioning at a reduced cost. Use this system to pump in cool air during summer evenings, then seal up the house during the day.

Customers can also use their online portal to monitor their energy usage, offering a real-time look at what in their home is using the most energy–and when–at blackhillsenergy.com/my-account.

Customers looking to cool down their energy bills can enroll in Budget Billing, a free payment plan. It provides greater predictability by averaging the amount customers pay each month. This option allows customers to avoid the seasonal increases that can result from higher summer temperatures.

For more summer energy conservation tips, ways to stay safe and be prepared, visit blackhillsenergy.com/summer-savings.