How to Save Money and Energy During the Holidays

The holidays are here and Christmas is right around the corner! For those of you who still need to do your shopping, you may be searching for ways to save money for gifts and cut costs on utility bills this winter. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to be forget to be energy efficient. Here are our top tips on how to save energy (and money!) this holiday season.

• Turn off Christmas lights during the day– Despite the popular myth that turning lights on and off will simply waste more money than leaving them on all day, the reality is that it costs far less to turn lights off during the daytime and switch them back on at night. Even easier than that, get an automatic timer. Mornings are chaotic enough during the holidays, and having to remember the extra step of shutting the illuminated Santa off may never get done. An automatic timer eliminates the need to remember to do this and save you money at the same time.

• Ask Santa for energy efficient products. – If major household appliances are on your Christmas list this year, ask your family and friends to select products that have the Energy Star logo on them. Things like a water efficient shower head, or an instant water heater to your sink are inexpensive and great ways to save money and energy.

• Use re-chargeable batteries– According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Buying rechargeable batteries for electronic gifts reduces the amount of potentially harmful materials thrown away, and can save money in the long run.

• Plan holiday shopping ahead of time– Sporadic holiday shopping may get the job done, but at a price! Save money on gasoline by planning out your shopping trips, or consider carpooling with a friend who also has late shopping to complete. After your trip is complete, make sure to get those heavy, unneeded gifts out of your car before driving anywhere else. Added weight to your car only uses more gas.

• Wear slippers– It may sound silly, but wearing slippers can help! Heat rises and cold settles on the floor making your feet cold and body temperature lower. Wearing slippers will enable you to lower the thermostat in your house by a few degree, which helps save money on utility bills.

• Cook as efficiently as possible-We know how tempting it is to open the oven and check in on what delicious creation you have in the oven. Try not to peak as much as you can, so you don’t release heat. Plan dishes ahead that cook at the same temperature, and cook as many things together as possible.

• Consider vinyl replacement windows– Not only will holiday guests admire the beautiful look of your new vinyl replacement windows, you will be saving money while entertaining them. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows can account for 10%- 25% of a heating bill by letting heat out. Replacing old windows with more energy efficient windows, such as Energy Star qualified models, can save 7% to 15% or about $71-$501 annually.

Advanced Window Systems proudly offers their customers Energy Star qualified replacement windows in CT and MA. Contact us today to schedule a FREE in home estimate. 860-829-8044