Save Energy This Holiday Season
Cut Costs This Christmas
During the holiday season, everyone tends to use more electricity. Families across the country have decorated their homes – and trees – with dazzling lights and sceneries. While lighting and electrical decorations do account for a significant portion of your holiday utility bill, there are other activities that figure into the equation as well, such as baking and cooking, having guests over, and gifts that require electricity. Make sure to follow our Christmas savings guide to ensure your electricity costs don’t get out of hand.
Limit Lighting Use
Save energy by keeping your lights and decorations turned off during the day time as no one can really see them anyway! Wait until it’s dark outside to turn them on; before you go to bed, make sure to turn them off. Not only will this help lower your utility costs, it will help prevent electrical hazards. Between 2010-2014, the U.S. fire department responded on average to 210 house fires a year caused by Christmas trees. Don’t become a statistic – remember to turn your lights off!
If you’re going to be away on vacation, it will be especially important that you turn your lights off. This way, you won’t have to worry about your home, and you can instead enjoy time with your loved ones. The last thing we want is for you to come home to destruction.
Christmas Tree Safety:
- Ensure your lighting is safe to use.
- Turn lights off when you are away or are going to bed.
- Keep a 3-foot distance from candles or any other heat source.
- Water tree every day.
- If you have a dried-out tree, get rid of it as soon as possible.
Christmas Tree Facts, According to the NFPA:
- One quarter of home Christmas tree fires are caused be electrical problems.
- Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
- A Heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.
Turn the Thermostat Down When You Have Guests Or When You’re Cooking
If you have a packed house, there’s no need to have the thermostat cranked up. More bodies means more warmth; take advantage of the situation and save energy! You can also keep the thermostat down when you’re baking or cooking. During the holidays, it seems that the kitchen is always one of the busiest places in your home. If you’re cooking a big meal, you won’t have to worry about it being too cold in your home. Odds are, the heat created by the oven or stove will keep the surrounding area toasty.
Don’t forget to check out our other holiday blog posts!
Christmas Tips: Indoor & Outdoor Lighting Safety
Christmas Tips: Tree Decorating Safety
Hickerson Electrical is your source for all home electrical services. We’re ready and willing to deliver top-quality service to your home at a moment’s notice. So call today at (703) 594-3913.
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