Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are fun and festive — but they’re also expensive. According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending on winter holidays this year is expected to top $902 per person, including gifts, food, decoration and other seasonal items. That’s a big hit to your budget! While you can’t do much about the cost of this year’s holiday turkey dinner, you can try to save on your utility bills.

Follow these tips to reduce your energy costs this holiday season.

Opt for LED Christmas Lights

Traditional incandescent lights can consume a lot of energy. Switch to LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer. Plus, they come in various colors and styles, adding to your holiday décor without the hefty energy cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED holiday lights also have the following advantages:

• Safer: LEDs are much cooler than incandescent lights, reducing the risk of combustion or burnt fingers.
• Sturdier: LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, not glass, and are much more resistant to breakage.
• Longer lasting: The same LED string could still be used 40 holiday seasons from now.
• Easier to install: Up to 25 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket.

Use Timers for Outdoor Lighting

Set timers for your outdoor lights to ensure they’re only on when needed. This saves energy and enhances safety by illuminating your home during evening hours without running lights all night.

Plan Efficient Meals

Holiday cooking can be a big energy drain. Plan your meals to use the oven efficiently. For instance, cook multiple dishes simultaneously and utilize slow cookers or pressure cookers to save energy. Don’t forget to unplug appliances when they’re not in use.

Keep the Heat In

When hosting gatherings, ensure doors and windows are sealed to keep the warmth inside and reduce strain on your heating system. If you have guests arriving, consider adjusting your thermostat down a couple of degrees. Your guests will bring warmth and cheer!

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Did you know you can save as much as 10 % a year on your heating and cooling bills by reducing the temperature on your thermostat back by 7 degrees for 8 hours a day from its normal setting? For even more savings, consider a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you are away from home and warm it back up before your arrival.

Maintain Your Heating System

Keep up with a regular heating maintenance schedule to ensure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump works when you need it. It also helps your system run more efficiently. Enroll in a maintenance plan to enjoy even bigger savings.

Check Your Water Heater

Hot water is in high demand over the holidays, whether for washing dishes, washing clothes or showering. If your water heater has worn components or sediment, it isn’t running as efficiently as it could be, which adds to your energy costs. Proper water heater maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your water heater and maintaining its energy efficiency. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, your water heater technician can advise whether it is time to consider upgrading to one that is more energy-efficient.

Schedule Home Services With Service Today

Saving money on energy costs is always in season. At Service Today, we aim to bring your home the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Whether you want advice on maximizing your home’s energy efficiency or need immediate HVAC, plumbing or electrical repairs, our experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call Service Today now to request HVAC, plumbing, or electrical services in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania.