Try these energy-wise tips to ensure safe and happy holidays
As you decorate your home for the holidays, make safety a priority. Decorations close to the fireplace should be removed when using it. Make sure to keep a screen in front of the fire. (AlabamaNewsCenter / file).
Decorating your home and Christmas tree with lots of twinkling lights is a delightful holiday tradition.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy your home’s festive appearance and save energy dollars while keeping your home safe during the holiday season.
Use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) safely
- Reduce energy usage by at least 75 percent when LED lights are used during the holidays. The bulbs will last 25 times longer.
- LED bulbs don’t produce as much heat and don’t break easily.
- Follow usage instructions for indoor and outdoor lights.
- Do not place outdoor lights on the ground, on drain pipes or hand rails.
- Always weather proof cords, plugs and sockets.
- Use ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Inspect lights for frayed wires, socket damage or other defects.
- Do not overload electrical circuits.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and check smoke detectors.
- Make sure your Christmas trees is fresh and green before adding lights. A dry tree could ignite if exposed to a spark. Keep candles far from the tree, drapes and other flammable items.
- Use indoor or outdoor lights marked “UL or ETL approved.”
- Unplug holiday lights at bedtime.
Enjoy the comfort of the holidays with these energy-saving tips
These guidelines can provide you more holiday enjoyment by keeping your home warm and cost-efficient.
- Open blinds to allow the sun to help heat your home. After sundown, close the blinds to retain the heat.
- During the day, keep the thermostat at 68 degrees and wear extra layers. At night, adjust the temperature 5 degrees lower than usual and use plenty of blankets.
- Check filters monthly and replace as needed. Dirty filters can increase energy usage.
- Inspect and update your home’s insulation. Proper installation of insulation will reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Check doors and windows for air leaks, and caulk or add weatherstripping in areas where air escapes.
- Close rooms not in use.
- Turn ceiling fans clockwise to pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air – which naturally rises – down along the walls and back to the floor.
- Do not block air registers with furniture or draperies.
- Use an insulated blanket around the electric water heater.
- Close the flue when your fireplace is not in use.
Find useful energy-saving tips from Alabama Power at http://www.alabamapower.com/residential/ways-to-save.html, or see Electrical Safety Foundation International and the National Fire Protection Association.
