7 Tips For Preventing A Thanksgiving Energy Spike
The average cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving feast adds up to nearly $500. Most adults spend about $400 on Black Friday. Americans last year used about 350 gigawatts of electricity — equivalent to the entire world’s nuclear capacity — to cook turkeys.
Woah.
Then there’s your energy bill. A big meal and guests can lead a big energy spike right there in your own home. With the right planning and precautions, though, you can prevent it. Here, the team at PowerTech offers seven tips for preventing a Turkey Day power surge — and how to keep your energy bill affordable while celebrating the holiday to the fullest.
How To Prevent A Thanksgiving Energy Bill Spike
- Choose your turkey wisely. Do not overdo it with a 100 pounder. Instead, get a turkey that will feed the group, but remember, a smaller turkey will take less time and energy to cook. You do not need to preheat the oven when you are going to slow roast a turkey for several hours. Also, cook the dressing separately rather than stuffing the turkey as that can help you cut down on oven usage and energy used.
- Load dishes in a dishwasher rather than wash them by hand. If you have an ENERGY STAR dishwasher, it will use less water and use half the energy that a handwashing would.
- Let any leftovers cool before you put them in the refrigerator. This way, the refrigerator does not work extra to cool them down.
- Be mindful of the lights you use — and really need. Only turn on lights in the rooms you will be using. Often, this means turning off lighting in the garage or outdoors. By using LED bulbs, you will use about 75% less energy and they will be powered much longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
- If you do not use your fireplace, seal the chimney flue. Your fireplace damper should be closed unless there is a fire burning. Properly caulk around doors and windows to keep the air out.
- Turn your thermostat down by 10 degrees overnight or during the day when there is no one at home. You can save 10% or more on your utility bills by doing this and not wasting energy when it is not needed.
- Forget the turkey! Order pizza or serve soup and salad. Simple, tasty and cost-effective to both the planet and your bank account. A non-traditional Thanksgiving feast is sure to be one you remember for years to come.
How Do I Lower My Energy Use?
If you are serious about saving utility costs, reducing energy usage, and making sure your home stays comfortable on Thanksgiving or any day, consult with an energy expert. The experienced service technicians at PowerTech have helped hundreds of people make their homes energy efficient and cut down on energy-related costs. By calling PowerTech and scheduling an energy audit or consultation, you can improve energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills. Whether you just want to avoid an energy bill spike at Thanksgiving or cut your energy bills year-round, PowerTech has the right solutions for your needs. Call today to schedule a consultation.
About PowerTech
PowerTech has the power to provide all of your residential electrician and commercial electrical needs, whether it’s a home remodel or repair, an electrical issue at your business, a generator service or purchase, or emergency electrical help. Let us show you why we are the top choice for service in Council Bluffs, Omaha, and beyond.
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