This article is your guide on how to save energy during the holidays of 2024. You can do simple things like using dimmers and timers for your lights or making your holiday meals in batches to cutdown on cook time.
But if you want to learn more about how to save during the holidays, keep reading.
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill but also to become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about saving during the holidays. Be sure to also check out our one-of-a-kind energy savings calculator!
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Tips and Tricks for Saving Energy During the Holidays
The holidays can mean more lights, more cooking, and a major increase in your energy bill. We love having the holiday spirit and don’t like compromising to have a more environmentally and budget-friendly display. So, this guide is to help you plan for the holiday season while still having an energy-conscious home!
What are the best tips for saving energy during the holidays?
- Buy LED holiday lights
- Update your thermostat
- Consciously bake your holiday meals
- Unplug vampire appliances
- Use ambient lighting
- Seal leaks
- Shop local
- Lower your thermostat
Related post: Top 15 Winter Energy Saving Tips
Top 10 Tips and Tricks For Saving Energy for the Holidays
#1 – Buy Energy-Saving LED Holiday Lights
LED lights have completely changed how we decorate our homes for the holidays. They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, meaning lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint. Plus, they last up to 25 times longer than old-school bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often, making your holiday lighting more sustainable. By choosing LED lights, you’re not just adding a festive glow to your home – you’re also making a greener choice for the planet. So, as you decorate for the season, let the bright and eco-friendly shine of LED lights lead the way to a more sustainable holiday.
Related post: How to Choose the Best LED Lightbulbs
#2 – Upgrade Your Thermostat
This smart device lets you control your home’s temperature precisely, tailoring heating schedules to your daily routine. By lowering the heat when you’re not home or during inactive periods, a programmable thermostat cuts energy use, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact. This upgrade keeps your home cozy and aligns with eco-friendly practices, making your holiday season more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. As you celebrate, let this simple change bring warmth and cheer while supporting a greener, more sustainable festive atmosphere.
Related post: How to Save Money on Your Thermostat
#3 – Consciously bake your holiday meals
The kitchen is the heart of holiday prep, and making the most of your oven can boost efficiency. Instead of random baking sessions, plan. Batch cooking, where you make multiple dishes in one go, not only streamlines your process but also saves energy.
Try to bake during off-peak energy hours, typically late evening or early morning, to reduce your overall consumption. This not only helps your holiday treats turn out great but also lowers your energy costs and eases the load on the grid. By being mindful of when and how you bake, you can enjoy delicious holiday meals while being kinder to the environment.
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#4 – Unplug All Vampire Appliances If Going Out of Town
Before heading out for your holiday travels, take a moment to tackle those sneaky energy vampires—devices that drain power even when they’re off. Unplugging these phantom appliances is a simple way to cut down on energy waste and lower your electricity bill. Chargers left in outlets, electronics in standby mode, and other gadgets around the house are common culprits.
Unplugging might seem like a small step, but it adds up. Many devices, like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances, still use power when plugged in, contributing to “phantom” energy consumption. By unplugging them before you leave, you prevent this silent drain and make your home more energy-efficient. This easy habit not only helps the environment but also saves you money, so you can return to a more eco-friendly and cost-effective home. As you set off on your holiday adventures, let unplugging be your energy-smart travel companion, protecting your home and your wallet from unnecessary energy use.
Related post: What are Vampire Devices?
#5 – Use Your Ambient Holiday Lights Over Main Lighting Sources
Instead of relying on your main lighting, try dimming them during festive occasions and letting your holiday decorations shine. This not only creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere but also reduces your energy consumption.
By dimming your main lights and enjoying the soft glow of holiday decorations, you set a festive mood while saving energy. This small change makes your home feel warm and inviting and helps lower your electricity usage. As you deck the halls, let the charm of your holiday lights be a symbol of celebration and energy efficiency, adding a warm glow to your home in an eco-friendly way.
Related post: What are the Best Energy Saving Light Bulbs?
#6 – Find and Seal All Leaks
Start saving energy by addressing one of the biggest culprits of heat loss in your home—leaks. Finding and sealing these gaps can boost energy efficiency and keep you warm during the holidays without overworking your heating system. Begin by inspecting doors and windows for any visible gaps or drafts. Sealing these areas with weatherstripping or caulking can prevent cold air from sneaking in and warm air from escaping.
Check less obvious spots like electrical outlets, light fixtures, and plumbing penetrations. These small openings can lead to significant heat loss over time. Sealing them with foam gaskets or caulking adds extra insulation. Also, inspect your attic and basement for potential leaks, as these areas are common sources of energy loss. By systematically identifying and sealing these gaps, you enhance your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Related post: How to Weatherize Your Home to Save Energy
#7 – Hand Make Gifts or Shop Local
Crafting your own presents adds a personal touch and reduces the environmental impact of mass-produced items. Whether it’s hand-knit scarves, homemade jams, or personalized crafts, handmade gifts showcase your thoughtfulness and lower the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting store-bought items.
Supporting local businesses is another great way to give sustainably. Seek out artisans and small businesses in your area to find unique treasures. This not only supports your community but also reduces the environmental impact of long-distance shipping and large-scale production.
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#8 – Remember to Lower the Thermostat with Party Guests Over
When hosting lively parties, the indoor temperature naturally rises as guests mingle and the atmosphere becomes animated. Instead of keeping your thermostat high, take advantage of the warmth generated by your guests and the festive ambiance.
Consider lowering your thermostat by a degree or two during gatherings. The combined body heat, the heat from cooking, and the overall festive cheer will keep your home cozy without the need for extra heating. This simple adjustment not only ensures comfort but also saves energy and reduces your environmental impact.
By managing your thermostat strategically during holiday events, you create a welcoming space while being mindful of energy consumption. This practice aligns with the spirit of sustainability, optimizing existing warmth sources and minimizing reliance on heating systems.
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#9 – Close Your Fireplace Damper
Enjoy the cozy charm of your fireplace this holiday season while also being mindful of energy efficiency. Remember to close the damper when the fire is out to save energy. An open damper is like an open window, letting warm air escape and making your heating system work harder.
Closing the damper when the fireplace isn’t in use prevents warm air from escaping, keeps your home at the desired temperature, and reduces energy consumption. This simple step not only saves energy but also cuts costs and contributes to a more sustainable holiday celebration.
Incorporate this easy practice into your routine to enhance energy efficiency. As you enjoy the warm glow of your fireplace, let closing the damper be a step towards preserving warmth and minimizing energy waste.
Related post: How Much Energy Does an Electric Heater Fireplace Use?
#10 – Use Smart Plugs and Timers for Holiday Lights
Smart plugs and timers automate your decorations, ensuring they light up only when needed. These tools help create a magical atmosphere while conserving energy during the holiday season.
Smart plugs, with wireless connectivity, let you control your lights remotely, giving you the flexibility to turn them on or off whenever you want. Pairing smart plugs with timers enhances efficiency by setting schedules for your lights to shine during specific hours, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This ensures your festive display is showcased when it matters most, preventing unnecessary energy use during idle periods.
Using smart plugs and timers blends holiday tradition with modern convenience, making your holiday lights enchanting and eco-friendly. Embrace these smart solutions to let your lights shine brightly while minimizing energy consumption and promoting a sustainable holiday celebration
Related post: What is the Best Energy Saving Space Heater?
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
