The holidays can be a time of great joy and celebration. From the lights to the tree, from the travel to the frosty temperatures, the holidays can also lead to spikes in utility costs and energy consumption.
The Home Depot and Eco Actions want you to enjoy the holidays without worrying about your carbon footprint or energy bills. A few simple reminders and tips can go a long way towards making your season more efficient without sacrificing holiday cheer.
LED it Glow!
If you haven’t already, ‘tis the season to upgrade those old string Christmas lights with some earth-friendly LEDs. LED lights use fewer natural resources and less energy, making them the merry choice for Mother Earth. Put your holiday lights – whether on the tree or the house trim – on a timer for added energy efficiency!
Learn more about the benefits and savings of LED lights.
Seal and Insulate to Stay Warm
According to ENERGY STAR, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. That means that 90% of homeowners could be using less energy this holiday season to heat and cool their homes. According to the EPA, a home that is well-sealed and has the right amount of insulation will have lower utility bills. On average, they estimate that homeowners who seal and insulate save 15% on heating and cooling costs.
Learn more about how and where to seal and insulate your home.
Boost Your HVAC System
During the holidays, we’re spending more time inside our homes while the weather outside turns colder. That means our HVAC systems are working overtime. So, it makes sense to make sure they are up to the task and have what they need to perform at their best and most efficient. Start with a check of your furnace filter. A clean filter will ensure efficiency and keep dust particles from penetrating the clean, heated air.
Get more tips for staying warm this winter.
Get Smart with a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re planning to be home for the holidays and have spare time, consider installing a programmable thermostat to keep your home nice and toasty and help curb high electric bills. These smart devices help optimize energy use and minimize waste. Smart thermostats are easier to program, allow you to adjust your thermostat from anywhere and track your energy use to provide comfort that’s personalized to your home, budget and lifestyle.
Learn more about smart thermostats.
Enjoy Hot Water Using Less Energy
When the weather gets cold, and holiday party invites stack up, we take longer, hotter, more frequent showers. Tankless water heaters are an energy-efficient way to provide hot water for household use. Because they heat only as much water as is needed and waste no energy on heating stored water, tankless heaters can save up to 70 percent on a yearly heating bill.
Learn more about tankless water heaters.
When it comes to saving energy, the holidays are a great time to look for new ideas to save more. But energy conservation is a year-round endeavor. To learn more about ways to reduce your household energy consumption, read our advice for How to Save Energy.
