The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends. However, it often leads to increased energy consumption due to decorations, extra cooking, more frequent gatherings, and longer nights. Fortunately, there are smart strategies to keep your utility bills in check. Here’s how:
Choose Some Non-Electricity Lit Decorations
The holiday season is synonymous with lights, adorning our homes with festive sparkle. However, to save energy, consider using decorations that don’t rely on electricity. Opt for reflective ornaments, festive ribbons, and garlands. Deck your home with greenery and adorn outdoor trees with ornaments to spread Christmas cheer.
Lighting Up the Season with LED Lights
You can use electricity-powered lights but do this by using LED lights. They consume up to 90% less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, while reducing energy consumption, LED lights also lower the risk of fire because they emit less heat.
Consider using energy-efficient LED lighting for both outdoor and indoor decorations. Opt for LED Christmas tree lights as well. These lights consume less energy and last longer, helping you save on your electricity bill while being environmentally friendly.
Aside from using LED lights, use dimmers and timers to automatically control your lights. Most LED lights are compatible with dimmers and timers. During the day, open curtains and blinds to let natural light in, reducing the need for energy-consuming artificial lighting.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when not actively in use. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that this “phantom” energy consumption accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of total residential energy use, resulting in annual costs of up to $100 for the average household in the United States.
During the holidays, the electricity consumption of electronic devices tends to rise. With children and guests at home, the use of TVs, gaming consoles, and chargers increases. To save energy, it’s advisable to unplug these devices when they’re not in use. Use power strips with switches for easy switching off devices.
Additionally, use ENERGY STAR® products that consume low energy even on standby mode.
Optimal Thermostat Settings
Setting your thermostat correctly can significantly reduce energy consumption. To automate this process, invest in a programmable thermostat. A heating and air contractor can help you buy the right one for your home.
Lower the temperature when you’re away and increase it just before you return. Lower the thermostat during large gatherings, as body heat naturally warms your home. Instead of turning up the heat, consider using blankets to keep everyone cozy during family gatherings.
Light Your Fireplace
There’s nothing like the flickering flames and cozy ambiance of a fireplace. Light your fireplace during the holidays to not only enhance the atmosphere but also provide warmth and save energy. Remember to close the damper and the doors of unused rooms to retain the heat.
Insulate Your Home
Make sure your home is well-insulated for the holidays. A reliable heating and air contractor advises adding weather stripping or caulk around doors and windows to prevent cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping. Use thermal curtains to further enhance insulation.
These practices improve home heating efficiency and reduce the workload on your heating system. For more strategies to improve home heat efficiency, reach out to Tri-City HVAC, a Carrier factory authorized dealer.
Cook Efficiently
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without delicious food, and home-cooked meals are always the best. However, holiday cooking can lead to a significant increase in energy consumption. Cooking efficiently is the key to conserving energy.
Consider using slow cookers and pressure cookers instead of traditional ovens to reduce this. These appliances are more energy-efficient and can help you prepare your festive dishes with less impact on your energy bill.
If you can’t avoid using traditional ovens, make the most of them by cooking multiple dishes at once. This not only reduces energy usage but also saves you valuable cooking time.
Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as each time you do, heat escapes and the oven has to use extra energy to maintain its temperature. Instead, use the oven window to check on your food without losing heat. For smaller meals, use the microwave oven.
To conserve energy with your refrigerator and freezer, keep them well-stocked but avoid overcrowding. A full fridge and freezer maintain their temperatures more efficiently but overloading them can block air circulation and reduce efficiency.
Reduce Hot Water Usage
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 18% of your utility bill, making it your home’s second largest energy expense. During the holidays, this can surge due to extra dishes to wash and guests staying over and taking showers.
However, there are solutions to reduce energy usage during the holiday season. Tri-City HVAC, a Carrier-authorized dealer, suggests fixing any leaks promptly. Replace showerheads with low-flow versions and install aerators on faucet tips. When it’s time to replace an old dishwasher, choose one with an ENERGY STAR® label. Additionally, take shorter showers to conserve energy.
When rinsing clothes in a washing machine, use cold water, which is just as effective as hot water. When replacing an old washing machine, choose one with an ENERGY STAR® label for better energy efficiency.
Give Energy Efficiency Gifts
Encourage energy conservation this holiday season by gifting energy-efficient items. Tri-City HVAC, a Carrier-authorized dealer, recommends considering gifts like smart thermostats, Smart power strips, LED light sets, or ENERGY STAR® appliances.
For sustainable gifts for children, consider giving planting kits, bicycles, books, solar-powered toys, recycled art supplies, and many more. These thoughtful gifts not only bring joy but also help reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.
Place Rugs on Hard Floors
Rugs add a layer of insulation to chilly hard floors such as tile, concrete, stone, and marble. They help retain the floor’s heat and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the room. Opt for wool or cotton rugs to maximize insulation. For large areas, use an area rug, and in drafty hallways, place a hall runner.
Final Thoughts
The holidays can be celebrated with energy efficiency in mind. Various strategies should include using lighting, insulation, cooking, and hot water efficiently. Aside from these, gifts should be energy-efficient ones to promote sustainability. For more information on how to keep your home energy efficient during the holiday season, reach out to Tri-City, a Carrier factory authorized dealer.
