To make your holidays as warm and wonderful as possible, the Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) offers these holiday energy-saving tips. Fewer dollars spent on your electricity can mean more presents under the tree!
1. Use LED Holiday Lights: Switch to LED lights for decorations. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LEDs consume up to 80% less electricity, generate less heat, are much brighter, and last much longer.
2. Set Timers for Outdoor Lights: Use timers to schedule holiday lights to turn on and off automatically, reducing usage when no one is around.
3. Limit Duration of Displays: Keep outdoor and indoor lights on for fewer hours to minimize energy consumption.
4. Unplug Lights When Not in Use: Disconnect holiday lights and energy-using decorations during the day or when you’re not home to save energy.
5. Choose Natural Decor: Incorporate natural decorations in your decorations, such as pine branches or holly, which don’t require electricity.
6. Cook Efficiently and Keep the Oven Door Closed: Use the oven for multiple dishes at once instead of repeatedly turning it on for single meals. By keeping the oven door closed, you will maintain cooking temperatures and reduce cooking time.
7. Utilize Slow Cookers: Slow cookers can be more energy-efficient than traditional ovens for holiday cooking and entertaining.
8. Be Mindful with Heating: Lower the thermostat when hosting gatherings. The collective body heat of your guests can warm your home at no cost. When not entertaining, put your sweater on if you are cold, rather than turning up your thermostat.
9. Gift Efficient Appliances: A microwave or big-screen TV may not be the most romantic gift ever devised, but it will bring joy and get heavily used. Make sure to purchase only appliances that are rated ENERGY STAR®. Those appliances consume less electricity than other models.
10. Maintain your Heating and Cooling Equipment: Have your heating and cooling systems maintained twice a year, before winter and summer, to ensure the equipment performs optimally. Also, replace filters mid-way between the six-month maintenance visits to keep your system from overworking.