The holiday season is here, and so is the winter chill. Read through our energy-saving tips to keep your home warm and festive without breaking the bank.
Purchase a smart thermostat
The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity: last-minute packing, unexpected winter storms that knock down trees and power lines, and sprinting off to the airport for a family trip to Paris. Within this chaos, it’s easy to forget about your thermostat, or maybe even your youngest child. As you prepare for festive gatherings and vacations, consider a smart thermostat as a smart investment. These devices let you set a schedule to automatically adjust your home’s temperature, ensuring it’s always comfortable without wasting energy. Plus, by connecting to your home Wi-Fi, you can control the temperature remotely via your phone, tablet, or laptop. Whether you’re heading out for work or a vacation, the smart thermostat can lower the temperature when you’re not around, saving you money and energy. Kevin McCallister’s parents would definitely approve!
Use energy-efficient holiday lights and light timers
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, holiday lights brighten our neighborhoods and lift our spirits. From twinkling snowflakes to dazzling reindeer, these festive decorations transform homes into winter wonderlands. Just like Steve Finch and Buddy Hall, these displays can also spark friendly competition and high energy bills. To keep your holiday cheer bright without draining your wallet, consider using Energy Smart and ENERGY STAR LED holiday lights. These energy-efficient bulbs consume less energy, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money. Additionally, using light timers can automate your holiday lighting, ensuring that your decorations are only on when you want them to be.
Make sure your chimney damper is in good condition
Fireplaces and chimneys create a cozy, picturesque setting for gathering around a warm fire with friends and family. However, they can also be a source of heat loss. Even when the fireplace isn’t in use, a chimney can act as a ventilation system, drawing warm air out of the home. To prevent this, consider installing or updating your fireplace or chimney damper. This device seals off the fireplace when not in use, reducing heat loss and preventing cold air from entering your home. It also keeps unwanted visitors—like a green, furry creature disguised as Santa—from sneaking in and swiping your presents!
Bring in natural sunlight
By opening your curtains during the day, especially from south-facing windows, sunlight can flood into your home. This simple act can reduce your reliance on HVAC systems and naturally heat your home. It’s like trading the gloomy English countryside for the bright California sunshine, straight from a Nancy Meyers movie.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle around the kitchen
The holiday season often brings to mind four essential food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. While you’re busy making your Buddy the Elf-inspired spaghetti (yes, syrup is a key ingredient), there are simple ways to save energy and water in the kitchen. Start by keeping your coffee warm in an insulated carafe instead of leaving the coffee machine on all day. When preheating your oven, only heat it as long as necessary. For tasks like melting butter or reheating smaller portions, opt for the microwave—it uses far less energy than the stove or oven. When it’s time to clean up, make sure your dishwasher is fully loaded before running it. Running half-empty cycles wastes both water and energy. If you’re a fan of plastic soda bottles, consider reusing them before recycling; for example, fill them with water, freeze them, and use them as an ice pack.