The holiday season is upon us and for many homeowners, that means an afternoon—or several—of unpacking Christmas decorations and covering our houses inside and out with lights and holiday displays.
And to be sure, everyone loves a festive lit holiday display. So we pretty liberally display our lights covering outdoor landscaping, windows, roofs, banisters, fireplaces, and of course the family Christmas tree. Sometimes we even throw in mechanical stuff like a Santa that says “Ho, Ho, Ho” or those big balloon decorations on the lawn with their constantly running fans.
It’s all part of a merry holiday.
Unfortunately, it can also be part of the January hangover many of us feel when the Christmas bills come in. For really dedicated decorators, the electric bill in January can rival even the air conditioning charges of a hot July.
But there are a ton of smart ways to conserve energy during the holidays. Like everything else electric these days, many modern decorations are simply more energy efficient than the vintage lights you’ve had since you were a kid.
So with a mind to help you have a merry January to go along with your Merry Christmas, here are ideas to help you save energy during the holidays from TheBalance.com.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
In addition to being brighter than traditional Christmas lights, LEDs use a whopping 90% less electricity. They typically last longer than the old-school lights as well.
Limit the Time Lights are On
Try not to leave the lights on overnight, or turn them on too early when it’s still light out. If you have trouble managing a energy-saving schedule, try using a timer. You can set the lights to go on and off on a better schedule, and you don’t have to worry about being home!
Turn Off Room Lights When the Tree is Lit
If you’re like us, nothing says ambiance better during the holiday season than a well-light Christmas tree. You can soak up that ambiance, and save energy, but turning off the lights in the room and letting the tree do the work of lighting. And it looks fantastic, too!
Decorate with Candles
While a nicely light Christmas tree helps, so do candles. From jar candles to luminaries placed throughout your home, you’ll add to the glow and save energy. But, of course, you have to be extra careful with lighted candles, especially if you have small children or pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Turn the Thermostat Down When You Have Guests
Family, friends, and maybe even a few extra pets in the house this holiday season may heat things up in more ways than one. But, those extra people can help with the heating. Turn down the thermostat and let the extra people in the house help naturally heat it. You’ll also get extra warmth if your oven is getting a workout for the holiday meal.
Invest in Rechargeable Batteries and a Charger
We understand that it’s hard to avoid batteries this time of year. The hottest gadgets and gifts probably require at least one or two batteries, if not electricity. But instead of buying those disposable batters, try rechargeable batteries with a charger.
Buy Energy Star Electronics
Whether as a gift for a love one or for yourself, big ticket electronic purchases sky-rocket during the holiday season. Look for the Energy Star seal on any new purchases. Energy Star certified electronics use up to 60 percent electricity than the ones who are not certified
Take a Walk to See the Christmas Lights
We tend to stay indoors more this time of year. But you can save gas but leaving the car in the drive way. Bundle up, grab a loved one, and walk the neighborhood to see the light displays of your neighbors.
Do you live in Gloucester, Salem, or Cumberland County and need help with an electrical home or business project? Call us at 856.769.3932.