Ken Hellevang, Extension engineer and professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, was among the experts quoted in a recent WalletHub story titled “2022’s Most and Least Energy-Expensive States.”
The article, by financial writer Adam McCann, was posted July 6.
According to the story, July tends to be the hottest month of the year and energy costs can be five percent to 22 percent of after-tax income for the poorest American families.
Hellevang, who was one of five experts from across the country featured in the article, offered these tips for saving money on energy bills:
• Have an energy audit completed or do one yourself.
• Make sure your foundation, walls and ceiling are properly insulated.
• Stop air leaks.
• Replace an old furnace (pre-1992) with a higher-efficiency one.
• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater if it is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Turn down your heat or air conditioning at night or while at work.
• Use LED lighting.
• When buying new appliances, look for an ENERGY STAR rating.
• Cover windows with insulated drapes or blinds.
• Double- or triple-paned or glazed windows are more energy efficient.
Hellevang earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University and his doctorate at NDSU. Structures engineering and building environment are among his areas of expertise.
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