Push it back down with these eight tips to save energy during the holidays:
Set timers for your holiday displays to turn off before bedtime so you don’t accidentally leave the lights on all night.
Remind guests to turn off lights and fans when they leave the room. Stopping one ceiling fan from running all the time and turning at least one light off when you leave the room can save you more than $7 a month on your electric bill.
Ovens lose a lot of heat when opened and require significant energy to heat back up to the appropriate temperature. Instead, when you have to sneak a peek, turn the oven light on and look through the interior window.
These pans heat faster than metal ones and allow you to set the temperature 25 degrees lower than a recipe suggests for the same cooking time.
Use smaller appliances such as Crock-Pots, microwaves, and toaster ovens when possible. These can be much more energy-efficient for side dishes or small meals.
Wash only full loads in laundry machines and dishwashers. Use the energy saver, air-dry cycle in the dishwasher and cold water in the washing machine.
Use the self-cleaning oven feature only when necessary and start the self-cleaning cycle immediately after the oven is used to take advantage of pre-existing heat.
When it comes to holiday lighting, LED lights are the bright choice to get you more for your money. The amount of power it takes to operate just one 7-watt incandescent holiday bulb could power two 24-foot LED strings — enough to light a 6-foot tree. Additionally, LED light strings last about 10 times longer.
Sources: Florida Power & Light, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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Author. Coach. Keynote speaker. Leigh Brown is laser-focused on inspiring real estate agents to break through and Just Say Hi!
