Because saving energy and money are great gifts to yourself this Pandemic Holiday Season
Many of us have been cooped up for the better part of nine months as COVID-19 continues to impact the way we do everything – including celebrating the holidays with our families and friends. Even though nothing is normal in 2020, making your home festive could help (especially since you’ve been spending so much time there). Here are 10 tips to use less energy and save some cash this Pandemic Holiday Season.
- Switch to LED holiday lights. They use 90% less electricity than traditional lights and last a lot longer, even if you are a would-be Clark Griswold.
- Use fiber optic decorations, which look great and offer maximum energy efficiency. Usually, a single bulb in the base lights up the whole decoration!
- When you have your Christmas tree lights on, turn off your lamps and overhead lights. This may seem like a no-brainer, but important to note in the holiday energy and money savings game. You can see just fine from the glow of the Christmas tree, and the lights will illuminate the room nicely.
- The holiday season is the battery companies’ best friend. More batteries are sold in October, November, and December than any other time of year. Battery costs add up and do use energy. If possible, think of gifts that don’t need batteries or electricity to be fun. If YOU get a gift that requires batteries, consider buying rechargeable batteries. They can be used time and time again, which will cut your costs big time.
- Hoping Santa will bring you a new 65-inch TV to watch even MORE Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime? Ask for one that has the Energy Star seal. Energy Star certified products use as much as 60% less electricity than those that are not.
- “Quarantine 15” got you down? Park your car and tour outdoor Christmas decorations on foot. You’ll get some exercise, save on gas, and enjoy the sights from a different perspective.
- Bake several dishes at once. You use a lot of energy every time you heat your oven to bake holiday cookies, bread, and other treats. Make the most of it by cooking multiple dishes together, which also saves you time in the kitchen.
- Use small appliances to prepare holiday meals and treats. If you can get the job done with a toaster oven or microwave, you’ll save a lot more energy than if you use the oven and stovetop to prepare every item in your holiday feast.
- Put a lid on it. Food that is covered cooks more quickly. Leave the lid on the pot to cut down on energy use. And, you’ll get to enjoy it faster!
- Unplug. This doesn’t just apply to that often-needed break from our phones and social media channels. Unplugging computers, printers, and stereos, and other electronics saves on energy. Many items in the home use energy when they are plugged in, even if they’re turned off.
There you have it! Even though the holidays are different this year – and family celebrations are either smaller or cancelled altogether – you can still decorate to give yourself a feeling of normality as well as a bit of holiday cheer. Saving money and energy could make you even happier – especially when you get your utility bill come January. Your electrician can offer more advice that can help you save energy and cut down on your utility bills.
Get An Energy Assessment
If you are serious about reducing energy use, you should have a qualified electrician come to your home and provide an energy assessment. An electrician will know what changes you can make to cut down on energy use and to help you reduce your utility bills. Making some changes, such as buying Energy Star certified appliances, and switching to LED light fixtures.
If you would like to learn how to use less energy during the holidays, or year-round, reach out to us today. Happy Holidays!
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