Holiday Lights
Replacing old holiday lights, decorations and pre-lit trees with energy efficient LED holiday lights and decorations can save over 90% in utility costs to run your holiday display. Make sure to recycle your old holiday lights when upgrading.
Save money running your holiday light display by putting a timer on your holiday lights and decorations. Set your timer to turn on when it gets dark and turn off when you go to bed. For your outdoor decorations, look for timers that also include a light sensor for easier operation.
Water & Hot Water Savings
Fix a leaking toilet to save up to 200 gallons of water a day, 73,000 gallons a year! Even toilets that don’t sound like they leak should be checked periodically.
According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of the average utility bill. There are a few ways to reduce the cost of your hot water. Lowering the temperature of your water heater to 120°F can save energy and make your home safer at the same time.
Insulating the first 6 feet of the hot and cold-water pipes connected to your water heater can save you money on your water heating. Uninsulated pipes allow heat to escape, costing you extra money each month on your utility bill. You may also notice the tap water heats up faster, reducing water wasted while you wait for hot water.
Traveling for a vacation or the holidays? Save money and energy by turning your water heater down to the “Low” or “Vacation” setting if you will be away for three or more days to reduce the cost of keeping your water hot when you are away.
Electronics and Vampire Power
Computers use electricity any time they are turned on, even if they are in sleep or hibernate mode. Turning your computer off and unplugging any laptops while you aren’t using them will help save energy in your home.
Televisions, stereo systems, cell phone chargers, video games, and coffee makers are all examples of electronics that use electricity when “turned off.” Save money by unplugging electronics when not in use. Use a power strip for convenience in hard to reach areas.
Using energy efficient light bulbs is only one step to save on energy costs around your home. To keep wasted energy use down, reduce the number of lights you are using and turn off unneeded lights. Try using a table lamp for reading instead of turning all the lights on in the room.
Other
Take advantage of summer heat by line drying your clothes. Using a clothes line not only saves on drying and air conditioning costs, but can prolong the life of your clothes and linens. If you prefer a softer feeling to your clothes, consider using the air fluff cycle for a few minutes after your clothes have fully dried.
