Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays
Posted on November 15, 2022 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy, General Interest
This holiday season, there are many ways to save energy – and money on your bills! In this blog, we will discuss opportunities for energy savings whether you’re at home or traveling.
Energy Savings for Holiday Hosting
As we gather with friends and family for the holidays, we often are using more energy than usual. From shared meals to holiday decorations, there are many opportunities to save on your energy bills.
Turn down your thermostat during holiday celebrations.
More guests mean more body heat, so you do not have to heat your home as much. Add cooking to that equation and your home is being heated from many other sources. Consider turning your thermostat down to 65 degrees (or lower!).
Cook Smarter, Not Harder
Holiday meals can require a lot of time in the kitchen. Here are some ways you can cut your energy while cooking your meals:
- Do your prep work before turning on the oven. Cutting vegetables, measuring your ingredients, and tenderizing your meats before you turn on your stove or oven to reduce the time your appliances are running.
- Cook multiple dishes at the same time. This helps reduce the time your oven is on and uses energy.
- Turn towards smaller appliances where you can. Ovens use a lot of energy! Smaller appliances like slow cookers, microwaves, and toaster ovens use much less, saving you money.
Decorate with Less Electricity
Many holiday decorations run on electricity these days. Consider using non-electric decorations where possible. For lights and other plug in décor, use a timer to schedule how long items are turned on. LED lights are also a great way to save energy (and they last longer!)
Lower Energy Use While You’re Traveling
Lower Your Thermostat
Before you leave for holiday travels, make sure your thermostat is set lower than usual. Set your thermostat between 50-60 degrees while you are away. Do not turn your heat all the way off or you could risk excess humidity or cold in your home. If you have a programable thermostat, make sure it is set for vacation mode for the duration of your travels. Space heating is the largest energy use in your home.
Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode (If Possible)
Many water heaters, especially natural gas ones, have an option for vacation mode. This allows you to heat your water intermittently instead of keeping the water at temperature all the time. By setting your water heater to cycle heating, you can save energy. This also keeps the water free from bacteria so you can return to safe, clean water. Water heating is the second largest energy use in your home.
Unplug Large Appliances
For extended periods, consider unplugging large electronics. Computers, video game consuls, microwaves, and more can be safely unplugged. These items will use energy even when you are not using them. Make sure important appliances for health and safety, like your refrigerator or dehumidifier, stay plugged in.
Make an Energy Saving Wish List for Next Year
Whether you’re home or away this holiday season, take stock of where you are using the most energy this winter. There are a lot of opportunities for saving money by upgrading your appliances. With the new Inflation Reduction Act, many energy-efficient appliances will be available with a rebate. For many families, this can mean saving money on energy bills without breaking your budget.
Appliances to consider:
- Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
- Heat pump water heaters for more efficient water heating
- Induction stoves for more efficient cooking
- New insulation, windows, and doors to take the pressure off of your heating system
Keep an eye out on the CUB Blog for more information about rebates and incentives to lower your home’s energy use! Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest on energy efficiency and utility policies that affect you.
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11/15/22 | 0 Comments | Energy Saving Tips for the Holidays