No matter what traditions you have or what you choose to celebrate this time of year, we’ve come up with a few tips, gift ideas, and facts that will remind you of all the possibilities energy efficiency can offer this holiday season.
- Cooking a holiday feast? Use the oven light to check the progress of your dish.
- Lower the thermostat when guests arrive.
- Deck the halls with LED holiday lights.
- When your holiday tree is lit, turn off lamps and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
- Consider rechargeable batteries and chargers. They make great stocking stuffers!
- Open blinds and curtains during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home.
- Keep the winter chill outdoors by sealing air leaks around your home.
- Heading out of town? Unplug appliances and electronics.
- Ask Santa for a smart or programmable thermostat to save energy.
- Use a timer to turn off holiday lights at night when you’re sleeping.
- Close the fireplace damper when a fire is not burning.
- Gifting new electronics, gadgets, or appliances? Look for the ENERGY STAR logo.
Americans spend an average of $65 billion on winter holiday presents each year. Even though the holidays have the reputation of excess, this time of year can also serve as a reminder of the importance of mindful energy use. Small behavioral changes now can lead to long-term energy savings later– even when you aren’t overindulging in presents and pie!
