Fa-la-la-la-la! The holidays are here! And that means festive decorations, fun celebrations, family vacations … and maybe a few libations!
And to ensure a happy and energy-wise holiday, your friends at Alger Oil & Propane have some helpful advice on conservation:
Tips on holiday lights:
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Switch to LED lights, which use significantly less energy and are cool to the touch.
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Use automatic timers to turn your lights on and off at set times – this is both a safety and energy-saving measure.
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Always turn off all lights and electrical decorations before going to bed or leaving your home.
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Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Only connect a safe number of light strands, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Tips on holiday cooking:
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Bake multiple dishes at the same time, especially those with similar temperature requirements.
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Use your microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven for dishes like gravies, soups, or reheating, as they use significantly less energy than a full-size oven.
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Place lids on pots and pans while cooking to help retain heat, allowing you to cook faster and at a lower temperature.
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Avoid opening your oven door to peek at what’s cooking. Every time you open the oven door, the temperature can drop by up to 25 degrees F, making the oven work harder to reheat. Check food through the window instead.
Tips on hosting a holiday party:
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If you are hosting a party, you may have more guests than usual, which naturally generates heat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than normal (e.g., around 68°F or lower) to save energy while keeping guests comfortable.
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Turn lights off in parts of the house where guests aren’t gathering. Consider using dimmer switches to reduce electricity flow and adjust the ambiance.
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During the daytime hours before the party, open curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural light.
In addition to expert conservation advice, Alger Oil & Propane offers a variety of full-service benefits to save you energy and money all year long! Have a wonderful holiday season and if you need us for any reason at all, please contact us.
