The holidays are a time where it is tempting to overindulge, whether on food, drinks, decorating, buying gifts, or all of the above. All of these can use up a lot of energy in your home. Electronic gifts, using your stove to cook, lights on your tree, and more. There are ways you can cut back on your energy use this holiday season. Read below to learn more!
COOKING AND ENTERTAINING:
- Cook as many dishes as you can in your microwave – it can use up to 75 percent less energy than a conventional oven.
- Use your oven light and window to check on cooking progress. Every time you open the oven door the temperature inside can drop as much as 25 degrees.
- Turn the oven off a few minutes before your food will be done. Enough heat will be inside to finish cooking, and your oven will stop using energy.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer well-stocked. A full refrigerator actually reduces the recovery time when the door is opened, saving energy!
LIGHTING
- Use LED light strings for decorations. They cost more upfront, they use a fraction of the energy traditional lights use, and can last up to 20 years.
- Set your lights on a timer so they aren’t on longer than they need to be. Otherwise, unplug them when you leave your home or go to bed.
HEATING
- Keep your thermostat at between 66 and 68 degrees. Every degree you lower the thermostat can reduce energy use by one to three percent.
- Change your air filters if you haven’t already done so this winter, and have your furnace inspected for any potential problems.
- An open-hearth fireplace can actually take your heated air outside the home, wasting a lot of energy. Use a fitted glass screen to improve efficiency by as much as 20 percent.
Courtesy of Wisconsin Public Service
