‘Tis the season when people love to go all out with extravagant holiday decorations. It is also the season people see significant increases in their electrical bills and financial stresses. Between hosting holiday gatherings, the scramble for gift shopping, and the never-ending pile of bills, this time of year is a doozie for everyone. So, this year, give yourself a gift! The gift of being energy efficient and saving hundreds of dollars. Get on the “nice list” and follow these five tips for saving energy and money.

Use LED Lights: At this point, this is a no-brainer. However, many people around the country still need to learn holiday lighting also comes in LED versions. LED lighting is more expensive upfront but will save you hundreds of dollars over extended periods. LED lighting reduces electricity consumption compared to traditional incandescent lighting methods. Learn more about the difference between LED lights and incandescent lights.

Smart Timers: This is the perfect time of year to invest in intelligent timers for your holiday decorations. A timer allows you to have a scheduled time from when your lights go on to when your lights go off. This way, your lights will only be left on for as long as needed. Smart timers optimize energy usage without manual control. Go to bed with your lights on and wake up to them already off! You aren’t just saving money, but you’re saving time since you don’t need to plug and unplug the lights.

Unplug It: It is always essential to remember to unplug decorations or electronics when you are not using them; this will avoid unnecessary energy consumption. People often wonder why their energy bill is so high even when they have lights and electronics off. The object plugged into the outlet runs your energy even if turned off, so plugging them into an intelligent timer is a good idea.

Energy-Efficient Appliances: If you are looking for new appliances, consider Energy Star Appliances. These will be useful for hosting holiday gatherings or summer parties. Energy Star Appliances are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet strict guidelines on being energy efficient. They are designed to consume less energy, saving you more money. Energy Star appliances are in every type of appliance.

Do you Have a Fireplace? If you have a fireplace, get that thing lit! Using a fireplace will keep your house or the room you are in naturally warm. This will allow you to turn your thermostat down to avoid unnecessary heating costs. However, don’t let them fool you. Outdated fireplaces can end up costing you more money. What to look for when considering lighting a fireplace;

  • Closed combustion system- draws combustion air from the outside, not the inside.
  • Wood burning efficiency.
  • Proper insulation- good insulation will prevent heat loss through the chimney and will stay within the home.

If you are stressed and looking to save money, time, and energy, these five tips will help you get one step ahead! Research can go a long way. If you have questions, our Piper Electric customer service team will happily answer them. Contact us today by calling 303-422-9219 or request a free estimate online. Now, get on that nice list and invest in energy-saving ideas. Happy Holidays!