Every month you can take part in an energy-efficient home improvement challenge. These challenges include seasonal topics to help you save on your energy bill all year long.

November challenge: Focus on the fridge

If you host family and friends this holiday season, your fridge could get quite the workout. Here are a few tips to keep it running efficiently:

• Don’t overfill. Refrigerators operate best up to about three-quarters capacity.
• As you go in and out of the fridge throughout the day, make sure to close and seal it properly.
• Think about what you want from the fridge before you open it. An open door makes a fridge use more energy to stay cool, so the less time spent with the door open, the better.
• For parties and gatherings, use a cooler to store beverages and other frequently accessed items in easy reach. This helps keep your fridge shut as much as possible.

Find additional ways to be the holiday host with the most – the most savings, that is – with more energy-efficient kitchen tips.

October challenge: Switch to LEDs

Don’t be left in the dark during this spooky season. Take this month’s PowerHouse Challenge and switch to LED light bulbs. They last longer than typical incandescent bulbs and you’ll see a scary amount of savings!

Find out how to choose the right type of LED bulb for your home.

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