by Shawn Crowle
As we move into the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to embrace festive traditions while also being mindful of our energy consumption. Implementing a few simple strategies can lead to significant savings on your utility bills this season, ensuring an energy-efficient holiday without compromising comfort of cheer. Here are five practical tips to help you achieve a more energy-efficient holiday season!
1. Opt of LED Holiday Lighting
Traditional incandescent holiday lights consume more electricity and have shorter lifespans compared to modern alternatives. Switching to LED holiday lights can reduce energy usage by up to 90% and offer greater durability. Additionally, LEDs emit less heat, reducing fire hazards and making them safer for indoor and outdoor decorations.
2. Utilize Timers for Decorations
Leaving holiday lights on all day and night can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption. By installing timers, you can schedule your decorations to light up during peak viewing hours and turn off when not needed, such as during the day or late at night. This approach not only saves energy but extends the lifespan of your lights.
3. Optimize Heating Efficiency
Heating makes up a big part of your energy use during Alberta’s chilly winters. While a warm, cozy home is essential, lowering your thermostat by just a couple of degrees while you’re asleep or away can lead to noticeable savings on your heating bill. Better yet, if you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you can schedule it to warm your home just before you wake up or return from work—keeping you comfortable and efficient all season long.
Additionally, ensure your home is well-insulated, and seal any drafts around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
4. Be Mindful in the Kitchen
Holiday cooking and baking can increase energy consumption. Plan your cooking to make full use of your oven’s capacity and use batch cooking to reduce the need for multiple heating cycles or use smaller appliances like microwaves or slow cookers when appropriate as they typically use less energy than a conventional oven.
5. Unplug Unused Electronics
To compensate for the extra electricity being drawn by your lights and decorations, be sure to unplug any electronic devices when they’re not in use. Many devices continue to draw power, even when turned off – a phenomenon known as “phantom draw”. This simple step can lead to noticeable reductions in your electricity consumption.
By incorporating these energy-saving practices, you can enjoy a festive and comfortable holiday season while effectively managing your utility expenses. At Camrose Energy, we’re committed to providing you with reliable energy solutions and helpful tips to support an energy-efficient lifestyle.
