As the holidays are creeping up on us so are your energy costs for your Black Hills home. As we’re busy cooking and entertaining this holiday season, there are some great tips on how to save on energy without sacrificing warm toes as those temperatures plummet.
Pre-plan for success
1. As you are planning your menu, take into consideration any dishes that can be cooked alongside the turkey to reduce the amount of time the oven will be running. Not only is it easier on the cook, but it will save energy too!
2. Installing a dimmer switch for the dining room can help extend your bulb’s lifespan and will reduce the amount of energy you will use. The $10 a dimmer switch costs will well be made up in savings at the end of the holiday season.
Let the cooking begin
3. Once the fateful day arrives for all the cooking and baking, lower your house thermostat by a few degrees. The oven will keep your house warm and once the baking is complete, slightly open the oven door to let the warm air escape into the room. You can also use your ceiling fan direction to help distribute heat throughout the house.
4. When cooking those delectable dishes, use ceramic or glass pans. The oven temp can be turned down by 25 degrees since these materials retain heat so well.
5. Use your oven’s convection feature. It circulates the heated air around the food and reduces the required cooking time and temperature. If you do not have a convection oven, this may be a good update when renovating your kitchen to increase your home’s value.
The slow clean up
6. Good news! Using your dishwasher over hand-washing saves energy and water; only hand-wash those things that are not dishwasher-safe. Want to save even more energy? Turn off the dry cycle, crack the door and let your dishes air-dry.
If you are planning to sell your home this winter, you should know exactly what it’s worth before making such an important decision. At Integrity Realty, we determine the value of Black Hills area homes daily. I’d love to talk with you about giving you a Comparative Market Analysis of your home to determine the best course of action for you. Our expertise in the Black Hills or Rapid City markets will ensure you a stress-free experience. Contact me, Jim Peterson, at (605) 574-4444 or email me to discuss how I can help you with all your real estate needs. My office is in the heart of Hill City and as a tourist spot, restrooms are hard to find – mine are always open for your convenience!
Jim Peterson Integrity Realty 