It’s that time of year again. A time when electricity consumption spikes and surprise bills make checking the mailbox a nail-biting scene. Every penny saved this holiday season is a reason to celebrate, and if you’re wondering how to lower your electric bill to help balance costs during holiday spending, you’re in luck! Here are three things you can do to make sure your electric bill doesn’t make the naughty list this year.
Switch to LED Lighting
If a lower electric bill is on your wish list this holiday, LED lights are the way to go. LEDs are up to 80% more efficient than old school holiday lighting and last about 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent, meaning you won’t have to replace them every few years. If you plan to purchase new lights for the tree and for decorating the outside of your home this year, consider switching to LEDs to cut down on energy consumption significantly.
Make Use of Timers
Timers are a great way to automate holiday lighting without the worry of forgetting to turn them off before bed or to turn them on after sunset. Limiting the time your holiday lights will run each day can significantly lower your electric bill–especially when using LED lights. If you don’t opt for a timer, plug decorations into a power strip for an easy off you can switch before you saunter off to bed (while sugarplums dance in your head!).
Stay Savvy in the Kitchen
Instead of baking here and there all throughout the holiday season, consider consolidating all your holiday baking into one or two days to help lower your electric bill. That way, you aren’t heating up your oven multiple times. You might as well make multiple dishes while the oven’s on! And whether your oven is gas or electric, you’ll save either way when consolidating your baking days to one. Also, avoid opening the oven door. Constantly peeking in the oven to check on cookies, cakes, and other confections cause significant heat loss and can increase your oven heating costs by up to 25%!
By playing it smart and making a few simple changes this holiday season, you can lower your electric bill and save a little more. Want even more money-saving tips on how to decrease your energy consumption all year long? Browse our blog for new ideas on how to curb your spending so you can make the most of life at home.