Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you can save energy—both personally and on your energy bill. For starters:
Your energy
- Take breaks
- Eat protein
- Delegate chores
- Reduce expectations
Your Home’s energy
- Switch to LED Christmas lights; They use 90 percent less electricity than regular Christmas lights and last up to 100,000 hours
- Use a timer to turn holiday lights off before bed
- Lower the thermostat by a degree if you’re baking or entertaining—both of which generate heat
- Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature at night
- Buy Energy Star-certified electronics
- Unplug phantom energy users before you go on vacation
- Weatherproof doors and windows
- Use the sun’s heat by opening south-facing window curtains during the day
To learn more about saving energy during the holidays—and year round—contact your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative. And here’s to a happy holiday season for you and your loved ones!