The holiday season is always a busy time for many of us. Shopping, decorating, family gatherings, or out-of-town trips seem to ramp up this time of the year. Tis the season to be jolly and save energy.
It is a fun time of the year to dust off the annual Christmas boxes and start decorating for the holiday season.
Energy-saving lights
Be mindful this year of the type of lights you are stringing outside and in the house. Light-emitting diode (LED) are 80 to 90 percent more efficient than traditional Christmas lights. The up-front cost of LED Christmas lights will be more than the traditional lights, but it will save you money over time.
I’m not saying junk every traditional Christmas light you have. As the traditional lights you have quit working, look at replacing them with LED Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights are much safer to handle because they do not get as hot as a traditional light. The epoxy lenses they are made with is more durable than the traditional glass bulbs.
Another way to save is to use a timer when operating Christmas lights. You should practice this no matter what type of bulb you are using. Make sure you limit the run time on the lights so they are not burning the entire night.
Adjust thermostat setting
The holidays usually mean family gatherings or hosting parties for family and friends. A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a measure of the heat content of fuels or energy sources. The human body generates BTUs and with more people in your home, you can adjust the thermostat settings to save on heating costs. This can help keep your home at a desired temperature without having to dial up the heat to keep everybody warm.
You can also save by not cooking as much. If you usually do most of the cooking for your family and friends, have a potluck instead. Fewer hours cooking will save you money and will give you more time to focus on other things before guests arrive.
Energy savings while away
If you travel during the holiday season, it is important to remember to adjust your thermostat. Check your local forecast to see what the weather will be in your area while you are gone. Adjust your thermostat accordingly with the season. The heating and air conditioning system will run whether you are there or not, so adjusting the thermostat to cut back on run time can help you save energy. Many smart thermostats allow you to set daily schedules and other comfort settings for your home.
This habit should be practiced yearly, not just during the holidays. Think about this when you are going on vacation, business trips or long weekend trips. Make sure you also have the timers set for your home’s exterior lighting so they are not burning the entire time you are gone.
Implement the steps mentioned to help you save energy and money not only during the holidays, but all year-round. Remember that some of the steps mentioned can also help you save energy and money the entire year. For more information on ways to save, visit our website at sremc.com or call us at 910-892-8071.
More Ways to Save Energy
For additional energy-saving tips, videos and resources, visit sremc.com or contact the Advise Guys at adviseguys@sremc.com or 910.892.8071.