Holiday Energy Efficiency

It's that time of year when the longer nights are filled with holiday lights, the weather is colder, the warm blankets come out, and turning up the heater frequently crosses your mind. With the holiday season upon us, here are some ways you can celebrate the festive and chilly season while saving on your utility bills:

• To get the most sunlight and heat into your home during the day, keep the curtains and blinds open on south facing windows and close them at night to reduce cold air seeping in.

• Weatherstrip your windows to keep heat in and cold air out, reducing the amount of heating needed to keep your space warm. Adding insulating drapes and well fitted shades can also reduce cold air drafts.

• Set the temperature lower when you're away, like when you're visiting family and friends during the holidays, can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bill, according to U.S. Department of Energy.

• Schedule routine maintenance for your heating system, replacing heat system filters, and sealing air leaks are all ways to spend less energy on heating your home and keep your home warm for longer.

• Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy use according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees can save on energy and prevent scalding. If you're planning on putting up holiday decorations this season, consider using more energy efficient lighting. Save energy by using LED string lights and ENERGY STAR certified string lights for festive decorations! These alternatives use 75% less energy than conventional decorative string lights and are typically less fragile too.

Stay warm and Happy Holidays!