How to Save Energy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for family, festivities, food, fun, and decorations! Typically, during the holiday season, more energy is consumed to make this time of merriment and celebration extra special. 

Energy consumption does not have to increase though during the holidays. You can still partake in gatherings and traditions, all while saving money on your energy bill. The electricians at Axiom Power have five tips to save energy this holiday season! Scroll on to save... 

 

1. Use Energy Efficient Lights 

No one is telling you to stop decorating the inside and outside of your home this holiday season, but you can change the way you decorate!  

Consider using festive garlands, ornaments, and tinsel throughout your home in place of traditional holiday lights. If you cannot live without your lights, make the switch to LED (light-emitting diode) alternatives. Did you know you can save up to 90% on your electric bill with LED lights versus traditional holiday lights? What savings! 

Making the switch to energy-efficient lights may require more upfront cost, but you will make up for the cost right away, and your new lights will last longer and be safer. 

The holiday season should be full of joy, giving, and love.  

Not wasted energy & money. 

2. Use Timers for Lights 

Now that you have switched to festive energy-efficient lighting, make sure you have timers to control how long they stay on. Timers are a great way to save money as well as ensure your home remains festive and bright, even if you aren’t home the moment it gets dark. 

With today’s technology, you can find many timers that can be used in your daily life. You can use a basic dusk to dawn timer that can also control your lights in hour increments, or you can upgrade to a smart switch that can be controlled through an app on your phone. Don’t forget to use these smart timers inside your home as well! You can connect your holiday tree or indoor lights to a timer as well! 

Whatever timer you chose, consider leaving your lights on for no more than six hours a day to maximize your energy savings. 

There’s an app for that...Want even more control over your lights? We can set up your lighting to be controlled from the palm of your hand! See what we can do and schedule a time to look at what’s possible with your lighting setup.  

3. Lower the Thermostat 

We work with many reputable HVAC companies, and thanks to them, we know if you find yourself traveling for the holiday season, make sure you lower the thermostat before you leave. Hello, energy bill savings!  

You can lower your thermostat to between 50 and 60 degrees, while you are gone. This lower temperature will guarantee you to save energy, but also keep your pipes from freezing if there happens to be a cold front. 

If you are not planning on traveling, you can still lower the thermostat when you are gone during the day. Try adding some extra warm blankets to your bed and lower the temperature at nighttime. As you can see, there are certainly alternative ways to stay warm when cooler weather hits Florida.  

4. Use Your Kitchen Appliances Efficiently 

Hosting a meal or two during the holiday season can use a lot of energy. If you plan on having friends or family over for a large meal, make sure you consider how to prepare and clean up from the meal efficiently. 

Make sure to use the stovetop and oven to their fullest potential. Use the oven for more than one dish that can be cooked at the same temperature. This will decrease the amount of time your oven needs to stay on and how many times it has to use energy to reach a high cooking temperature. When you are done using the oven, leave the oven door slightly ajar. As the oven cools, it also warms your home with the escaping heat. 

When cleaning up, use your dishwasher wisely. Consider not using the heated-dry option and using an air-dry setting. This will save on energy while your dishes air dry without heat. If you got nice towels as a gift, this is a good time to put them to use.  

Hosting for the holidays? If you notice any flickering lights or breakers tripping while all your appliances are getting more use over the holidays, give our electricians a call. We’re happy to help fix it and keep the lights on for you!  

5. Use Candles to Decorate 

Candles add a bright seasonal touch while saving energy and money. Plus, they are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.  

Consider setting up luminaries along your walkway or driveway or placing candles throughout your home when hosting guests or even for your enjoyment. Make sure to keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Make sure to extinguish candles whenever you leave the home or go to sleep. 

Light It Up > String Party Lights, Perfect for Your Holiday Party  

 

Save Energy This Holiday Season 

The holiday season should be full of joy, giving, and love. Not wasted energy & money. 

If you are ready to start saving energy on your electrical bills, call Axiom Power today. We can perform a home energy inspection to let you know where you can save, not just for the holiday season but all year round. Call (813) 308-9328 for more information about making the change to more energy-efficient lighting.