Once the holidays are here, everything in our lives becomes busier and we are spending much more. With a little planning, you can save on energy consumption and cut some of those costs.
1. Christmas Lights and Displays. Lighting and displays are a major expense for many. Enjoy the spirit of the holiday while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Turn off lights and displays during the day. Six hours on at night is usually enough. Set timers so you don't forget. Lights - incandescent, fluorescent or LED - use more energy when left on than turning them on and off, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And turn off lights in the room when the Christmas tree is lit.
- Switch to LED lights. LED lights are safer because they don't get hot, use 90% less electricity than traditional lights, last longer, are more durable and come in a variety of sizes.
- Instead of cutting down a real tree or using a standard artificial tree, get a fiber optic tree, which is pre-lit with LED lights and can be used for several years.
- In the spirit of your fiber optic tree, use fiber option decorations also.
- Candles are another way to add holiday lighting, inside and also outside, such as with luminarias.
- As beautiful as holiday light displays are, they cost. Use fewer strings of lights, and eliminate inflatable characters that require blowers around the clock.
- Walk around your neighborhood to look at holiday light displays, rather than getting the car out.
2. Heating. Lower the thermostat in the house.
- When you have guests, more body heat is generated so less energy is required to warm the house.
- Dress in layers and wear slippers or socks when it's just you and the family. Remember, warm air rises so the floors will be colder. When your feet are warm, you'll feel warmer.
3. Shopping. Save several ways with holiday shopping.
- Organize errands and shopping trips so you waste less fuel.
- Forty percent of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season, according to energyquest.ca.gov. Buy energy-free gifts. No batteries equals less expense.
- If you do buy or receive gifts that need batteries, think about rechargeable batteries and a charger.
- Energy Star-certified electronics - TVs, DVD players and cordless phones - use up to 60% less electricity. Visit energystar.gov for more information.
4. Vacation. Last but not least, unplug TVs, DVD players, computers, printers, radios and other electronics before you go on vacation. Many electronics use energy even when they aren't turned on.
Do you know someone who is thinking about buying or selling their home? We would love the opportunity to help! Give us a call today at 281-989-6934 or email us at Info@TexanRealtor.com
Sources: http://frugalliving.about.com, www.koat.com
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