PowerHouse Tip of the Month
December Tip of the Month: Create space for joy and energy savings
Holiday gatherings bring plenty of cheer – and plenty of food. If you host family and friends, make sure your fridge and kitchen are ready for the festivities. Overstuffed refrigerators and inefficient cooking habits lead to wasted energy and higher bills. A few simple steps can help you save.
Start with the fridge.
- Leave room for air to circulate inside. When it’s packed too tight, the appliance works harder to keep everything cold, which uses more energy. A little space helps meals stay fresh and your fridge run efficiently.
- Before guests arrive, check that the door seals properly. Avoid opening it more often than you need.
Small habits can help you cook more efficiently too.
- Use the right size burner for your pots and pans. Keep lids on to trap heat and reduce cooking time.
- Consider using energy-smart appliances like slow cookers and pressure cookers. They use less energy than the oven and help keep the kitchen cooler.
- If you do bake or prepare dishes that require the oven, try batch cooking to make the most of a hot oven. Resist the urge to open the door while food cooks. Every peek lets heat escape and makes the oven work harder.
With a little planning, you can keep holiday meals delicious and your energy use in check.
November Tip of the Month: Light up the holidays the energy-efficient way
Holiday lights bring cheer, but they can also bring higher energy bills with all the entertaining and decorating. Keep your home merry, bright and efficient all season long with a few smart choices.
To start, swap out old string lights for LEDs. They use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, stay cooler and last much longer, which makes them a safer, smarter choice for indoor and outdoor decorating. To take it a step further, plug those lights into timers so they turn on and off automatically – no need to remember to unplug them before bed. You’ll save energy without lifting a finger.
Keep the festive feeling going without wasting power. Rather than cover every surface, focus your lighting on key areas like windows, trees and entryways. A little planning goes a long way to keep your home cozy and your energy use in check.
These small steps save energy without dimming your holiday spirit.
See Megan and Pete break down LED savings and learn expert decorating tips.
October Tip of the Month: Scare off sneaky energy loss
To start, seal up trouble spots around windows, doors and foundations. Caulk and weatherstripping are quick fixes that make a big impact. Insulating your attic or basement can also help your home hold heat more efficiently.
Even small changes can help scare off wasted energy. For instance, close curtains at night and use draft stoppers to keep your space cozy.
These practical steps are easy to tackle and can lead to real savings, especially as temperatures drop.
See how Pete and Megan find and seal air leaks.
September Tip of the Month: Change your furnace filter and get a tuneup
As temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to prep your home for cooler weather. One of the easiest ways to save energy and stay comfortable is to give your furnace a little attention.
Change your furnace filter and schedule a tuneup to help your system run more efficiently and reduce energy waste. It can even extend the life of your equipment – and lead to savings on your energy bill.
Here’s what to add to your seasonal checklist:
- Replace your furnace filter to improve airflow.
- Schedule a professional tuneup to catch safety and efficiency issues early.
- Clear vents and registers of dust and debris.
- Check your thermostat settings for fall.
These simple steps make a big difference in how your home uses energy. They’re practical, affordable and easy to tackle before cold weather sets in.