Power your holiday for less jingle

Set back the thermostat

Lower the temperature of your thermostat 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day. An easy way is to lower the temperature while you’re sleeping or at work. You can save up to 10% on your energy bills, without sacrificing comfort.

Switch to LEDs

Light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) last ten times longer than ordinary bulbs and use significantly less energy. Don’t forget about LED holiday lights. They use 90% less energy than regular holiday lights and last for multiple seasons. Check out lighting safety tips below.

Set it and forget it

Use timers for your holiday lights. They allow you to set the holiday lights to come on when it gets dark and go off around bed time.

Add insulation in the attic

Adding additional insulation from three to 12 inches can cut your heating bill by up to 20%.

Check the furnace filter

Failing to clean or replace a filter can make the furnace run harder, which reduces its efficiency and life span and increases service calls. Make sure you change or check your furnace filter monthly, especially during the winter months. Learn more

Weatherize doors and windows

A few inexpensive tubes of caulk and rolls of weather stripping can help reduce heating bills by 20%. Start with your draftiest windows and work your way around the house to stop cold air from leaking into your house. Learn more

Give appliances a vacation too

Before you leave on a trip, turn off and unplug everything you can, lower your thermostat to 55 degrees, and set your water heater to the lowest setting. Learn more

Decorate safely

Decorating during the holidays is a tradition for many families. Unfortunately, many home electrical fires occur during the holidays because of extra lights and extension cords. Stay safe this holiday season with these tips:

• Put the lights on a nonflammable surface and plug them in for 10 – 15 to check for melting, smoking or overheating. Throw away any defective strings.
• Don’t have holiday lights on while people are sleeping or when no one is home.
• Make sure the lights are safety certified. Look for a label that says “Underwriters Laboratories Approved” or “UL Listed”.
• Don’t place light strings or extension cords on driveways or sidewalks.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines regarding how many strings of lights can be safely connected.
• Don’t use metal staples or nails as fasteners for lights. This can damage the protective insulation covering the wires.
• Make sure lights and extension cords used outside are certified for outdoor use and are plugged into a grounded circuit.