From festive feasts and dazzling light displays to frigid temperatures and biting winds, the most wonderful time of the year has it all, bringing a spike in energy usage for many homeowners. Higher bills also add to other holiday expenses, like gifts, travel and food. The good news is that you can take simple steps to reduce your energy usage over the holiday season. Try these seven energy-saving tips to trim your energy bill while trimming the tree.

1. Upgrade Your Lights

Those tangled strings of lights in the attic might hold years of memories, but they also use an excessive amount of electricity compared to newer LED lights. If you want the best and brightest light display in the neighborhood, replace your old bulbs. In addition to using less electricity, LED bulbs also shine brighter and come in many colors and shapes. Your most efficient holiday lighting display ever can also be your most brilliant.

2. Make Efficiency Your Secret Ingredient

One of the best parts of the holidays is all the decadent food, but extra cooking can send your electric meter spinning. Being energy cautious when cooking is an easy way to trim some dollars off your energy bills, but you don't have to cut back on sweets and side dishes to save money.

Here are a few ways to cut back on energy usage while cooking and baking:

  • Cook in batches
  • Use small appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens
  • Keep the oven closed while baking
  • Let food cool before putting it in the refrigerator
  • Use the dishwasher instead of washing by hand

3. Put Decorations on a Timer

No one can see your beautiful holiday lights during the daytime, but they still use electricity. Waking up to turn off your lights before dawn is a real pain, but a timer can handle it while you get your full night's sleep. Putting your decorations on a timer is an easy way to save energy during the holidays, even when you feel like sleeping in.

4. Slay Energy Vampires With Power Strips

Did you know your holiday decorations are using electricity even when they're turned off? From brilliant trees to moving train sets, your festive favorites use small amounts of energy whenever they are plugged in, even when you're not currently using them. Items that zap energy when not in use are sometimes called energy vampires, and plugging them into a power strip can stop them from sucking up extra electricity. Just switch off the power strip to completely cut the power.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

If you want to treat yourself to a holiday gift, a smart thermostat is one gift that keeps on giving. When you have a smart thermostat, you can set it and forget it for a home that's always comfortable and efficient. A smart thermostat means you never have to remember to adjust the temperature when you leave for work or go to bed at night. This upgrade can even pay for itself over time in energy savings.

Are you ready to make the switch to a smart thermostat? One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® is your source for thermostat services in Herrin and the surrounding areas. We can install your new smart thermostat or repair the one you already have, and our expert technicians are here to suggest the best thermostat for your needs.

6. Seal Up Winter Drafts

Drafts are a common problem during the colder months, especially in older homes. When your home is drafty, cold air can enter from outside while heated air escapes. These drafts are not only chilly but also raise your energy bill significantly. You can easily identify drafts by feeling for them with your hands or by moving a lit candle around the room.

Sealing up drafts is not as easy as finding them, but you can try a few solutions. Caulking, door sweeps and window film are simple and inexpensive ways to stop drafts. If you want a more permanent solution, consider applying weatherstripping, upgrading your windows or adding more insulation. Drafts can also be caused by faulty HVAC components like vents, fans and ductwork. A professional can assess your system for drafts and recommend effective solutions.

7. Reduce Hot Water Usage

Whether you're hosting a crowd, washing up stacks of dishes or relaxing in a hot bath, the holiday season gives your water heater a workout. All this hot water usage can create a big spike in your energy bill if you're not careful. Try switching to cold or lukewarm water for everyday chores like laundry and dishes. If you're hosting a lot of guests, turn down the temperature on your water heater by a few degrees. This small adjustment not only reduces energy usage but also helps prevent burns.

Water-efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads and faucets help save energy by reducing your overall water usage, including hot water. Fixing any leaks and insulating water lines can also save energy. If you're shopping for a new water heater, consider upgrading to a tankless model for increased efficiency. Because tankless water heaters only heat the water you use instead of holding hot water in a tank, little to no energy is wasted.

Your Source for Holiday Energy Savings

When you cut back on energy usage, you can keep more money in your wallet for presents under the tree or starting the new year off right. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, we know that reliable HVAC service is essential for an efficient and comfortable home. Whether you need a thermostat upgrade or emergency heating repair, we're here to keep your holidays happy. Our comprehensive range of HVAC services is fast, reliable and backed by a 100% guarantee.

If you're ready to get your holiday season off to an efficient start, call us today.