How to save money this holiday season

Make your holidays merrier (and more affordable) with energy savings

The holidays can be the most wonderful (and expensive) time of year. In addition to gifts, meals and travel, colder weather and darker nights lead to more electricity use and higher bills. One way to reduce the financial burden is by implementing efficiency tips to use less energy at home.

Tips for Hosting:

• Program your thermostat to 68 degrees when you are home and lower it 8 to 10 degrees when your are away or asleep.
• Run the clothes washer on cold with full loads.
• When not in use, turn off lights and the TV; fully shut down computers and gaming systems.
• Lower the thermostat when hosting or cooking food.
• Save energy by turning the heat down in areas you are not using.

Tips for Cooking

• Use the oven light to check food instead of opening the door.
• Make use of a slow cooker, microwave, toaster oven or warming plate.
• Let hot food cool to room temperature before placing in the fridge.
• Ask guests to bring a prepared dish.

Tips for Holiday Lighting

• Make the switch to LEDs.
• Pick up a few light timers.
• Consider upgrading to smart holiday lights that offer a wide range of app-controlled options, including time, colors, music and modes.

Tips for Going Out of Town

• Switch your water heater to vacation mode.
• If your water heater does not have vacation mode, you can adjust it to the lowest setting.
• Set your thermostat to 55 degrees Instead of leaving lights on, consider upgrading a lamp or fixture to a smart lightbulb.