As the holiday season approaches, we’re looking forward to festive decorations, cozy gatherings, and joyous celebrations. But amidst the holiday cheer, it's important to keep energy efficiency in mind. Here are some practical tips to help you save energy while still enjoying a wonderfully festive season.
Leave Air Vents Open and Unobstructed.
Shutting off the flow of heat to a room that isn’t being used might seem like it would save energy by redistributing the heat to other rooms, but that’s not quite how it works. Too many closed registers (HVAC lingo for air vents) can cause damage to your HVAC compressor, allowing pressure to build in your air ducts, which can turn tiny leaks into a big, big problem.
Also, holiday decorations can often mean furniture and rugs get temporarily rearranged. Double check that you don’t have anything blocking your air vent like a couch, drapes, an entertainment center, or Christmas tree skirt to ensure maximum air flow and energy efficiency.
Unplug Space Heaters
Space heaters are energy eaters. If you have space heaters, make sure someone is always home when they’re on. Unattended space heaters are a big-time fire hazard. Make sure you remind your guests to turn them off or unplug them when they’re not in use. Even when a space heater is off, it may continue to use energy because it is plugged into an outlet.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
During the colder months, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat to stay warm. Adjusting the thermostat up and down numerous times during the day makes your HVAC system work harder so take a “set it and forget it” approach, aiming for 68°F or cooler. Body heat goes a long way, and with more people in the house, you can probably go a few degrees lower than your normal setting. For every degree below 72°F, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Your washer and dryer may be working overtime, but a gentle request to guests can help manage energy use. It takes electricity to create hot water, so encouraging guests to wash on cold will not only keep more hot water available for showers and hand washing, but it’ll get clothes just as clean.
Opt for LED Christmas Lights
Traditional incandescent lights consume significantly more energy than LED lights. LED lights use up to 75% less energy and lasts longer. This small switch can lead to savings on your electric bill and reduce the frequency of replacing bulbs.
Use a Timer for Your Holiday Lights
To avoid leaving your Christmas lights on all night, use a timer to control when they are turned on and off. Setting your lights to operate for a few hours in the evening can create a festive atmosphere without unnecessarily wasting energy.
Embrace Natural Light
During the day, take advantage of natural light by opening curtains and blinds. This not only brightens up your space but also reduces the need for artificial lighting. On sunny winter days, let in as much light as possible to help warm your home naturally.
Unplug Unused Devices
Many holiday gadgets and electronics continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. Unplug chargers, appliances, and electronics when they’re not needed or use a power strip to make unplugging easier. This helps to reduce “phantom” energy consumption.
By incorporating these energy-saving tips into your holiday routine, you can enjoy a festive season that’s both joyful and energy-conscious. We wish you a happy, healthy, and energy-efficient holiday season!
