It’s a fact: Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year. Repainting and refurnishing, present shopping, and traveling, and hosting can leave your pockets weak.
But there’s this one underrated cost that doesn’t rear its head until after the celebrations – your electric bill. In this article, we’ll look at some energy saving tips that will save you from being caught off guard.
Use LED Lights
Who doesn’t like Christmas lights? They make the perfect decorations and bring a special kind of joy to any home. But they aren’t that energy efficient. Switching to LED Christmas lights will make it easier on both your budget and the environment. Here are some benefits:
- They consume up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs
- They last 25% longer than standard bulbs
- Unlike incandescent bulbs, they are made of plastic, which makes them more durable
Invest in smart decorations with timers
Sometimes, it can be tempting to leave the lights and decorations on all day long. Using a timer can help you in case you forget to turn them off. Smart plugs and timers will automate your decorations, and they can even allow you to remotely monitor and control your them.
Be mindful of appliance efficiency
From large dinners to movie nights, we use our appliances most during the holidays. So, it’s important to ensure that they are operating properly. Here are some tips to help you maximize on appliance efficiency this year:
Treat your refrigerator with care– A properly packed fridge will retain cold airflow better, so as tempting as it may be, try not to overload it with food. You should also check all the seals, as damaged, loose or worn seals cause the fridge to work harder.
Monitor your electric stove closely– If you own an electric stove, try to match your pots with the correct size burners to ensure you aren’t wasting energy. Additionally, you can use the microwave for quick reheating as it uses less electricity than an electric oven. When it comes to baking, try to bake in batches to minimize how much energy you use.
Unplug if you’re travelling
If you’re travelling this year, be sure to plug out all those items and devices that could drain energy and give you an unwanted bill. This is “phantom energy” which happens when items suck energy regardless of if they’re in use. This can include kitchen appliances, chargers, TVs, and computers.
Embrace solar power
Christmas holidays are the perfect time to incorporate solar energy into your home. Solar power also means you won’t have to worry about random electricity blackouts. Plus, you’re saving money and the environment at the same time. Here are some ways that you can utilise solar energy:
- Solar powered outdoor decorations
- Solar powered water heaters
Whether you’re hosting some extra family members or going all out with decorating, it’s important to celebrate responsibly. Be mindful of those areas that could drastically raise your bill. If you’re still seeking advice, you can check out APUA for more power conserving tips through their website. Also, be sure to keep track of your electric bill through their online bill tracking.
