8 Simple Tips for Saving Energy During the Holidays

When preparing for the holidays, what comes to mind? Do you indulge in elaborate holiday light displays and decorations? Anticipating numerous out-of-town family visits? Do potlucks and parties lead to simultaneous use of crock pots, food processors, and the oven?

Nobody’s judging! It’s all a part of holiday celebrations. However, that celebratory spirit can come to a crashing halt when the energy bill arrives… So, here’s our take on 8 simple ways to reduce the cumulative impact of these scenarios on your energy bill.

Switch out your old holiday lights for LEDs.

LED lights, recommended by the Alliance to Save Energy, use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 40 seasons. Operating LED lights is much more cost-effective than traditional bulbs. For instance, running incandescent lights for 12 hours a day over 40 days adds $10 to your bill, while LED lights only add just over $0.25.

Instead, opt for festive garlands, tinsel, and reflective ornaments as alternatives to traditional lights. If you prefer twinkle lights, consider using light emitting diode (LED) alternatives, which can result in electricity savings of up to 90%.

Put your decorations on a timer.

Utilize timers and motion detectors for your indoor and outdoor decorations to ensure lights are only on during preferred hours. Limit the duration of all types of lights, turning them on at dark and off when you go to bed. Consider a daily goal of leaving holiday lights on for no more than six hours or use a timer if you tend to forget.

Turn the temperature down on your water heater.

According to energy.gov, water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down your water heater temperature to a warm and comfortable 120°F to conserve energy, especially when hosting extra guests during the holidays.

Lower the Thermostat.

Lower your home’s heating expenses by using a smart thermostat. Lower the thermostat when away or asleep, and when leaving for an extended period, set it between 50 and 60 degrees to save money without compromising comfort or risking frozen pipes.

Unplug to limit phantom loads.

Combat standby power consumption (also known as phantom loads) by unplugging electronic devices not in use. An easy way to do this is to plug all of your devices into a power strip, so you can disconnect multiple devices simultaneously. This will help reduce unnecessary energy consumption and lower the financial burden of idle electronics during the holiday season.

Use the Air Dry Setting on your Dishwasher

The heated-dry option on your dishwasher consumes more energy than the air-dry setting. Efficiently wash holiday dishes and cookware by using air-dry or by opening the door after the wash cycle finishes.

Use Candles to Decorate for the Season.

Incorporate seasonal candles into your holiday décor to create a festive atmosphere without electricity. You can also place candles along walkways and throughout your home, but remember to extinguish them when not in use and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Invest in Proper Insulation.

Maintain a cozy indoor environment during colder temperatures by investing in properly insulated vinyl siding. Seal gaps and insulate windows to prevent heat loss, creating a more energy-efficient home that enhances comfort during the holiday season.