Use Energy Efficiently this Holiday Season

Energy efficiency may be one of the last things on your mind during the holiday season.  However, taking just a few small and simple steps can help you make the most of your energy dollars during the coming months.

To save energy this holiday season, remember these tips as you are...

Decorating Your Home

• Opt for LED light strands which have a lifespan 25 times that of incandescent lights.
• Use a timer for outdoor lights and decorations.

Baking Holiday Goodies

• Match the size of your pan to the size of the burner.
• Avoid opening the oven door to prevent heat from escaping.

Cleaning Up After Guests

• Skip the heat-dry setting on your dishwasher and fully load it before washing.
• Wait until you have a full load of laundry before washing/drying.

Heating Your Home

• Install a programmable thermostat to make automatic changes to your home's temperature.
• Lower your temperature setting when you're asleep or away from home.

Buying Electronic Gifts

• Choose low-standby products that draw less electricity when turned off.
• Purchase smart power strips for computers, televisions, and video game consoles so power can be cut off to electronics when they are not in use.