How To: Reduce Your Energy Bill This Christmas
Christmas is a time for celebration and togetherness, with festive decor and a bevy of red and green colours to boot.
It’s also a time when electricity costs skyrocket from all the decorative Christmas lights use, and that’s not even touching on the air conditioner usage.
To learn how you can keep your energy usage to a minimum this Christmas, check out our tips and tricks below!
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Opt for Energy-Efficient LED Christmas Lights
Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED Christmas lights is a brilliant way to reduce your energy consumption during the holiday season. LED bulbs use significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan, leading to substantial energy savings.
Determine the Wattage
Understanding the wattage of your Christmas lights is essential. LED bulbs typically consume fewer watts than their incandescent counterparts, making them more energy-efficient. Choosing lower-wattage bulbs can translate into substantial savings on your electricity costs.
Set Timers
Use timers for your Christmas lights to ensure they are only on when needed. This smart approach not only conserves energy but also minimises your power bill. Program the timers to illuminate your holiday light display when it’s most festive and turn them off during the night.
What Usage Is The Norm?
Curious if your utility costs stack up against the Australian average? Check out the average costs across the country below!
Consider Solar-Powered Outdoor Lights
Solar-powered Christmas decorations are an excellent choice for outdoor lighting. They harness the sun’s energy during the day and use it to create a dazzling spectacle at night, eliminating the need for electricity and helping you save on your energy costs.
Strategically Decorate Your Christmas Tree
Focus your holiday decorations on the Christmas tree and other key areas of your home to create a festive ambience without overloading your power bill. Concentrating your efforts can be just as dazzling while consuming less energy.
Embrace The Heat
Take advantage of the warm weather to enjoy your holiday outdoors. Create a festive atmosphere with open-air gatherings, barbecues, and picnic-style celebrations. By making the most of the hot climate, you can reduce the need for energy-consuming air conditioning and still have a delightful holiday season with lower electricity costs.
Unplug Unused Electronics and Decorations
Incorporate energy savings into your holiday routine by unplugging unused electronics and decorations. Many devices, including fairy lights and strings of lights, consume standby power, known as “phantom” energy, which adds to your electricity costs.
Did you know?
Standby power can prove to be an unnecessary cost if left unchecked, with multiple aplliances and devices sucking up the power when they’re not even in use! To find out more about Standby Power, check out our article here.
Choose Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs Year-Round
Beyond the holiday season, make the switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs in your regular light fixtures. This year-round effort will result in long-term energy savings and lower monthly electricity bills.
Manage Refrigerators Efficiently
The holiday season involves a lot of cooking and baking. Use your refrigerator efficiently by keeping the door closed and organizing items to reduce energy consumption. Be sure to repair any malfunctioning appliances that may consume a lot of electricity.
Plan Your Energy Usage Throughout December
As you embark on the festive season, consider creating an energy plan for the month of December. Determine which days to turn on your holiday lights, manage your electrical usage wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a significantly lower electricity bill in the new year.
This Christmas season, you can enjoy the festive spirit and reduce your energy bill by following these tips. Switch to LED Christmas lights, embrace timers and solar-powered decorations, and remember to unplug unused devices.
By managing your energy consumption, you’ll ensure that your electricity bill remains reasonable throughout the holiday season, leaving you with more to spend on the joy of giving and receiving.
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