In the words of classic crooner Andy Williams, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season of giving and sharing and celebrating with friends and family. It’s also a season where both time and money can run short. While we can’t offer ways to add more hours to the day, we can share insight into how to save a few extra dollars on your energy bill. Here are nine ways to lower your energy costs during the holidays.
1. Decorate with LED holiday lights.
Swapping out old strings of traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lights might incur a minimal upfront cost, but you’ll yield bigger savings over time. That’s because LED holiday lights use nearly 90% less electricity. Not only that, but they burn brighter and last longer.
2. Bake holiday goodies at one time.
Who doesn’t love the sweet aroma of freshly baked pies and cookies and tarts and cakes? Maximize the fun of holiday baking — and take advantage of the energy needed to warm the oven — by setting aside a single day to bake all your holiday treats at once.
3. Power down when the holiday party heats up.
Hosting guests this year to celebrate the season? Pre-heat the house before the party and then turn down the thermostat and let the extra people toasting glasses of bubbly in your house do the natural work of generating body heat. They’ll keep your home cozy and the temperature inside comfortable.
4. Unplug electronics when heading out on holiday travel.
This tip rings true no matter the time of year, but if you’re leaving town — even for a short weekend getaway — make it a point to unplug all “energy vampires,” devices that drain power even when they’re not in use: TVs, computers, tablets, gaming consoles, and more.
5. Use a timer to cue holiday lights.
The most energy-efficient amount of time to keep your holiday lights aglow is no more than eight hours. Streamline the on-off process by setting automatic timers to switch on lights at dusk and turn them off 6-7 hours later.
6. Wear your winter-weather attire.
Cooler outside temperatures mean it’s time to unearth those favorite sweaters, knit caps, and long-sleeve shirts. To avoid cranking the heat (and thus raising your energy costs), set the thermostat low and layer up.
7. Seal air leaks.
You’d be surprised to learn how much air seeps out in leaks around outlets, chimneys, pipes, and unsealed doors and windows. This can be a huge energy waster. Find your home’s leaks and seal them tight to ensure the warm air heating your home stays where it belongs — inside. A home energy audit by a contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute can help you spot energy leaks within your home.
8. Utilize your fireplace.
A crackling fire adds a festive holiday vibe to the season, but it also serves a useful purpose: heating your home without wasting electricity. On cold nights, light a fire and snuggle up close. To conserve even more heat, shut doors to rooms you aren’t using.
9. Turn off lights.
During the day, soak up the bright winter light by keeping curtains and blinds open. In the evening, let the LED lights of your indoor holiday décor or Christmas tree illuminate the interiors.
Bonus Tip: Get An Energy Audit
The best holiday gift you can give yourself? An energy audit. This thorough assessment examines your home’s energy efficiency — what’s working well, what’s not, and suggestions for how to lower your energy bill. Contact us today to schedule your energy audit.
9 Ways to Save Big on Energy Costs During The Holidays
In the words of classic crooner Andy Williams, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season of giving and sharing and celebrating with friends and family. It’s also a season where both time and money can run short. While we can’t offer ways to add more hours to the day, we can share insight into how to save a few extra dollars on your energy bill. Here are nine ways to lower your energy costs during the holidays.
1. Decorate with LED holiday lights.
Swapping out old strings of traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lights might incur a minimal upfront cost, but you’ll yield bigger savings over time. That’s because LED holiday lights use nearly 90% less electricity. Not only that, but they burn brighter and last longer.
2. Bake holiday goodies at one time.
Who doesn’t love the sweet aroma of freshly baked pies and cookies and tarts and cakes? Maximize the fun of holiday baking — and take advantage of the energy needed to warm the oven — by setting aside a single day to bake all your holiday treats at once.
3. Power down when the holiday party heats up.
Hosting guests this year to celebrate the season? Pre-heat the house before the party and then turn down the thermostat and let the extra people toasting glasses of bubbly in your house do the natural work of generating body heat. They’ll keep your home cozy and the temperature inside comfortable.
4. Unplug electronics when heading out on holiday travel.
This tip rings true no matter the time of year, but if you’re leaving town — even for a short weekend getaway — make it a point to unplug all “energy vampires,” devices that drain power even when they’re not in use: TVs, computers, tablets, gaming consoles, and more.
5. Use a timer to cue holiday lights.
The most energy-efficient amount of time to keep your holiday lights aglow is no more than eight hours. Streamline the on-off process by setting automatic timers to switch on lights at dusk and turn them off 6-7 hours later.
6. Wear your winter-weather attire.
Cooler outside temperatures mean it’s time to unearth those favorite sweaters, knit caps, and long-sleeve shirts. To avoid cranking the heat (and thus raising your energy costs), set the thermostat low and layer up.
7. Seal air leaks.
You’d be surprised to learn how much air seeps out in leaks around outlets, chimneys, pipes, and unsealed doors and windows. This can be a huge energy waster. Find your home’s leaks and seal them tight to ensure the warm air heating your home stays where it belongs — inside. A home energy audit by a contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute can help you spot energy leaks within your home.
8. Utilize your fireplace.
A crackling fire adds a festive holiday vibe to the season, but it also serves a useful purpose: heating your home without wasting electricity. On cold nights, light a fire and snuggle up close. To conserve even more heat, shut doors to rooms you aren’t using.
9. Turn off lights.
During the day, soak up the bright winter light by keeping curtains and blinds open. In the evening, let the LED lights of your indoor holiday décor or Christmas tree illuminate the interiors.
Bonus Tip: Get An Energy Audit
The best holiday gift you can give yourself? An energy audit. This thorough assessment examines your home’s energy efficiency — what’s working well, what’s not, and suggestions for how to lower your energy bill. Contact us today to schedule your energy audit.
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