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Saving Energy During the Holidays

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Saving Energy During the Holidays

Saving Energy During the HolidaysSaving Energy is Saving Money

Interested in saving money this holiday season? The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) offers some energy-saving tips to save on utility bills to free up money for gift-giving.

Lighting, heating, cooling, and major appliances account for almost all the energy used in an average home. And the holidays can inflate utility bills with increased heating costs, increased appliance use, and additional lighting around the home.

Lighting

Consider choosing LED instead of traditional incandescent bulbs for holiday lighting. LED lights last longer and only use about 15 percent of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs.

Another way to save electricity during the holiday season is by turning lighting off when it is not in use. Purchasing a timer or a “smart” plug to automatically turn holiday lighting on and off can save both time and money. With a Wi-Fi connected smart plug, holiday lighting can be controlled with a smart phone or other smart device.

Heating

Reduce heat loss by sealing air leaks around doors and windows. Heat is also lost through bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, so minimize the amount of time they are in use.

Improve furnace efficiency by replacing air filters every 1-3 months, as noted in the owners’ manual, and tune up HVAC equipment yearly. Save on heating costs by turning the thermostat back 7-10⁰F when away from home. For maximum convenience, consider investing in a programmable or “smart thermostat.” Keep the thermostat set to 68⁰F during the day and lower at night to save more.

Use layered clothing, heavy blankets, or an electric blanket to stay warm. To save even more, seal air leaks and make sure the home is well insulated

Increase Appliance Efficiency

Reduce energy usage and save money by changing how appliances are used.

Refrigerator

Consider cleaning the refrigerator coils every six months, so that the compressor does not have to work as hard.

Additionally, minimize opening the door to keep cold air in. If the home currently has two refrigerators, consider eliminating one or unplugging it when not in use.

When purchasing a refrigerator that meets new energy efficiency standards it will cost around $200 less per year for electricity than those produced in the 1980s. Look for the ENERGYSTAR logo when shopping for any new appliance.

Water Heater

Keeping the water heater temperature at 120⁰F can reduce excess heat loss from the tank. Higher temperatures can cause heat loss and scalding, while lower temperatures may lead to bacteria build-up. A tankless water heater may be a more energy-efficient choice if the household doesn’t consume much water.

Apart from improving the water heater’s efficiency, simple changes can be made to reduce hot water usage. Start by repairing leaky faucets and installing energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. To save water, wash full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. Consider using cold or warm water instead of hot when doing laundry.

Cooking Habits

Hosting guests during the holidays can be challenging when trying to conserve energy in the kitchen. Try to bake multiple dishes at once, keep the oven door closed as much as possible, keep oven burners clean, and use the correct size burner for efficiency. Try using a microwave instead of an oven when possible.

Money saving alternatives rather than the oven:

  • Microwave
  • Slow Cooker
  • Air Fryer
  • Toaster Oven
  • Electric Pressure Cookers/Multicookers

 

Save energy and money year-round with these helpful tips. (30 sec. video)

Avoiding Vampire Power

Vampire power is the electricity electronics use when they are plugged in but not in use, which can be as much as 20 percent of a home’s energy usage. Unplug devices with this standby mode and consider using a smart power strip for convenience. This is crucial when on vacation as devices can consume a lot of vampire power for an extended period.

For More Information

To learn more about how to make simple changes to lower utility bills, please visit www.occ.ohio.gov.
 

 

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