'Tis the Season to Save Money

Once again, holiday season has arrived.

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, members are already looking forward to this year’s final celebrations and preparing for festive gatherings. As the year winds down, homes become adorned with cheerful decorations, and calendars fill up with get-togethers, meals, and festivities. Amid the joy, don’t forget about post-holiday bills that can bring unexpected financial stress. It’s easy to overspend on food, gifts and travel during this season. To help ease the financial burden, find ways to cut back on electrical usage. Adjusting a few habits can conserve energy, whether entertaining guests or traveling for the holidays.

Just One More Degree

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling account for 51 percent of a typical home’s energy consumption. This is especially true in winter when outdoor temperatures drop and thermostats settings go up. Some systems have better energy efficiency than others. For example, heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional strip heaters. If relying solely on strip heating, consider using a supplemental heat source, like a wood-burning stove, to reduce electric consumption. Regular maintenance, including annual HVAC tune-ups, can ensure that heating systems operate efficiently.

When it comes to thermostats, every degree counts. Set thermostats to the recommended winter setting of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjusting it just one degree higher can increase an electric bill by 5 percent. Before gatherings, lower the temperature slightly, as additional guests generate extra body heat. Why not make it fun with an ugly sweater party and save on heating?

Take advantage of natural sunlight by allowing it to warm areas of the home. Consider temporarily removing solar screens that have blocked sunlight during the summer. Using a smart thermostat to lower the temperature while sleeping or when not at home can lead to savings of up to 10 percent, according to the Department of Energy. If traveling, setting the thermostat lower will reduce energy use while away from home during the day.

Air leaks can also contribute to energy loss. When an outside door opens, cold air rushes in to fill the vacuum left by escaping warm air. To combat this, consider air sealing the home. Cover drafty windows with insulation kits and apply caulking and silicone around window frames to seal air gaps.

Fireplaces create a cozy environment, but can be a significant source of heat loss. An open chimney flue can result in up to 80 percent heat loss. Even with the flue closed, some heat can escape. To minimize this, consider using a fireplace balloon or wool chimney blocker to seal the flue when it’s not in use. Alternatively, installing a fireplace insert can reduce heat loss and radiate warmth into the home.

That Smells Amazing

It wouldn’t be the holidays without delicious cooking. Whether hosting a gathering or visiting someone else, food symbolizes warmth and love. However, cooking a feast can lead to increased energy use. For instance, a range/oven combo can consume upwards of 12,000 watts if all burners and the oven are in use simultaneously. An electric oven alone uses about 5,000 watts, so baking a 24-pound turkey for five hours would use approximately 25 kWh.

• To conserve energy during meal prep:
• Cook multiple items in the oven at the same time (e.g., turkey, dressing, casseroles).
• Consider alternative cooking methods for turkey, such as frying it outdoors or using a smoker.
• For smaller gatherings, opt for pre-made items from grocery stores or local barbecue restaurants.
• Consider purchasing pre-made desserts to save on oven time.

There’s No Hot Water

According to the Department of Energy, electric water heaters account for about 18 percent of a home’s energy consumption, making them the second-largest energy expense. With more guests comes increased demand for hot water—think showers, laundry and dishwashing. Traditional tank-style heaters can consume between 4,500 to 5,500 watts. Use these helpful tips to lower hot water usage:

• Check for leaks in faucets and showers. According to the Department of Energy, a dripping faucet can waste over 1,600 gallons of water a year. If a water heater leaks, it needs immediate attention.
• Washing dishes by hand can save hot water in most cases. Energy efficient dishwashers typically use about 6 gallons of water per load—just make sure to load them to capacity.
• Laundry can add up quickly, especially with extra guests. While washers can use around 25 gallons per load, newer models often detect load sizes and adjust water usage accordingly. Furthermore, only use hot water to wash clothes when needed.

Light Up the Night

From Halloween to New Year’s, holiday lights add cheer but can also spike energy bills. Consider these energy-efficient options for decorations:

• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. For example, using 300 incandescent lights for 6 hours a day for a month costs about $60, while 1,000 LED lights would only cost approximately $2.
• Holiday inflatables vary in energy use based on size. Running a 140-watt inflatable for 6 hours a day for a month would cost almost $4.
• Utilize smart plugs to automate holiday decorations, making it easier to turn them off when not in use.

The holidays can be stressful, but by adjusting a few habits, members can significantly reduce their post-holiday electric bill. Reach out to United’s Energy Solutions team with question about home energy usage. United offers free energy audits conducted by trusted Energy Experts to help evaluate energy consumption. Visit our website at www.ucs.net or call a local United office for more information.