The holidays are coming up and seeing homes lit up with decorations and lights is something that makes this time of year special. However, it can also add to your holidays bills. The easiest way to combat the cost of the holiday season is to use less energy. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use less electricity during the holidays. Asbury Electric can help with any unanswered questions or concerns!
LED Lights
One of the simplest ways to decorate your home during the holidays and still use less energy is to switch to LED lighting. Your home can still look great with these LED lights, indoor and outdoor. LED lights use about 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights and they are only about $10 per string. The amount of energy you save on your bill will quickly pay for the cost of your new lights.
Limit Holiday Light Time
Another tip on how to use less electricity during the holidays is to limit the time your holiday lights are on. Turn your lights on after dark (around 5 pm) and leave them on until bedtime (10 or 11ish). That gives you up to 6 hours of holiday spirit and by keeping your light time under 6 hours will cut your electricity bill down significantly. If you have trouble remembering to turn the lights off and on, a simple fix is to purchase a timer.
Alternative Decorations
Switching up your traditional decorations is another option on how to use less electricity during the holidays. If you are in the market for a new Christmas tree, skip the hassle of cleaning up fallen pine needles and opt for a fiber optic tree. Most fiber optic trees use a single light bulb at the base, and it lights up the entire tree. Another option to add a little holiday cheer in your home is to use candles, indoor or outdoor. They bring a classic look to the space and you don’t need electricity to use them.
Thermostat
Monitoring your thermostat during the holiday season can help you to use less electricity during the holidays. If you are going to at work all day, turning the temperature down a few degrees will save you a few bucks. If you are going out of town for the holidays, you can do the same. If you are having a large group of people over, you can turn the thermostat down also – lots of people means lots of body heat.
Energy Efficient Appliances
If you are in the market for new appliances, the holidays are a great time to make the purchase. There are a lot of good deals on large appliances this time of year. When shopping, look for products that have an Energy Star rating to cut down on your electricity bill.
Plan Ahead in the Kitchen
If you are hosting a holiday dinner, try to plan ahead on what you’ll be making. If two items need to go in the oven at the same temperature, you can save electricity by putting them in together. Another option is to use smaller appliances when possible. Rather than heating up the oven for something small, try using the microwave or toaster oven.
Unplug for Vacation
Although it’s not the right season, watch out for vampires! Vampire electronics, that is. TVs, DVD players, radios, printers, and computers all use energy even when they aren’t turned on. If you plan to go away for the holidays, make sure you unplug these items to save on electricity. Another quick fix is to plug multiple items into the same surge protector, and just turn off or unplug the surge protector.
As much fun as the holidays are, they can also be stressful because of the amount of money we spend. If you are able to cut down on your electricity bill, that can take some stress out of the situation. Follow these tips on how to use less electricity during the holidays and get in touch with Asbury Electric for more ideas to help you cut back. Happy Holidays from the Asbury Electric family!
For more tips on how to use less energy during the holidays, check out https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-save-energy-during-holidays
