5 Ways to Save Energy During the Holidays

Dec. 12, 2018

Looking to use less energy and lower those holiday energy bills? We get it; the holiday season is a time when many are trying to stick to a budget, and it doesn’t help that holiday festivities have a tendency to make those energy bills skyrocket. (Lights, guests, cooking—need we say more?)

To help our friends in Massachusetts and beyond achieve greater energy bill savings this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of simple energy saving tips.

Tip #1: Switch to LED Holiday Lights

String lights can be a major energy consumer at this time of the year, but switching to energy efficient LED lights will help you use significantly less power. The upfront cost of LED string lights can be more expensive, but you’ll see greater savings in the long run. (Plus, you could still be using them 40 years from now!)

Consider the costs of lighting a six-foot tree using different types of string lights for 12 hours a day for 40 days:

Type of light Electricity cost
Incandescent C-9 $17.65
Incandescent mini $4.84
LED C-9 $0.48
LED mini $1.45

*Assuming an electricity rate of 21 cents/kWh (the statewide average in 2017)

Tip #2: Turn Down the Thermostat

Did you know you can save as much as 10% on your heating costs per year by turning the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day? Program your thermostat to keep your house at a lower temperature while you’re away for effortless energy bill savings.

Plus, with holiday guests, warm food, and more cooking in the kitchen, you’ll find it much easier to turn the thermostat down even when you are home.

Tip #3: Use the Oven & Stovetop Wisely

The oven and stovetop can be major sources of wasted energy, especially over the holidays. Conserve more energy by making these simple changes to how you use your oven:

  • Stop peeking. Every time you open the door to check on a dish’s progress, you’re letting valuable heat escape (up to 25 degrees’ worth!) If you must check on a dish, use the window instead.
     

  • Turn the temperature down. When cooking with glass or ceramic, you can usually set the temperature to 25 degrees less than what the recipe calls for. This is because glass and ceramic dishes retain more heat than metal pans do.
     

  • Turn the burners off early. If you have an electric stovetop, you can usually turn off the burners 5 to 10 minutes before the dish will be done. The residual heat will finish the job!
     

  • Use small kitchen appliances. Small appliances like your slow cooker and toaster oven can save a great deal of energy while doing the same job that your oven would. A toaster oven, for example, can use up to half the energy of an electric stove over the same cooking time.

Tip #4: Give Energy Efficient Gifts

Planning to give electronics as gifts this year? Make them energy efficient electronics so the recipient can enjoy greater energy savings for years to come. Energy efficient TVs, computers, and appliances, for example, all receive ENERGY STAR labeling. You might also consider giving gifts like rechargeable batteries and LED light bulbs as stocking stuffers.

Tip #5: Consider Solar Panels for Your Home

Solar is a great home upgrade to consider over the holidays as you use more electricity than perhaps any other time of the year. By investing in a solar energy system for your home, you’re essentially paying a lower upfront cost for the electricity you’ll use over the next 25 years or more. You’ll see a remarkable difference on your utility bills for years to come, not to mention higher resale value for your home.

Going solar is more affordable than ever thanks to valuable solar incentives and flexible financing options.

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5 Ways to Save Energy During the Holidays

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