The holidays are filled with joy—but also expenses. Between gifts, groceries, and festive décor, your wallet can take a serious hit. 

Fortunately, saving energy doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic. With a few smart changes, you can enjoy the season while keeping your energy bills in check.

Energy-Saving Tips for the Holidays

From string lights to holiday baking, here are ways to celebrate while using less energy.

Choose Energy-Efficient Décor

LED holiday lights use up to 90% less electricity than traditional bulbs—without cutting back on festive flair. Available in a variety of colors and designs, they’re a bright choice for your home and your budget.

• Set timers for outdoor lights
• Unplug or turn off indoor decorations before bed
• Consider fiber-optic décor, which uses less energy and gives off less heat

Try Batch Baking

Instead of turning your oven on daily, dedicate a few days to bake everything you’ll need for the season. This approach saves both time and energy—and reduces food waste.
Pro tip: Don’t overlook smaller appliances like slow cookers or toaster ovens. Organize them using a simple system like F.E.D. (Frequent, Essential, Dormant) to minimize clutter and maximize efficiency.

Reduce Energy Use When You’re Away

Traveling for the holidays? Lower your HVAC settings before you leave, and unplug or turn off unnecessary lights and devices to conserve energy while you’re gone.

Year-Round Energy Saving Habits

These simple habits can reduce your energy usage well beyond the holidays.

Adjust Your Thermostat Gradually

Lowering your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees every few days helps your household adjust to cooler temps—without the shock of a sudden change. This strategy works in summer too (in reverse) to lower A/C use.

Balance Electrical Usage

If the front of your home is glowing with holiday lights, offset the demand by minimizing usage in other areas like hallways or spare rooms. Also, reverse your ceiling fan to run clockwise on a low setting. This helps circulate warm air more evenly.

Limit Phantom Energy Loss

Even when turned off, devices like gaming consoles, chargers, and microwaves can drain power—called "phantom energy." Smart plugs and home automation tools can help you monitor and reduce these hidden costs.

Check for Air Leaks

Warm air escapes and cold air seeps in through gaps around windows, doors, and fireplaces. To stay cozy and cost-efficient:

• Seal cracks with caulk
• Use draft stoppers for noticeable gaps
• Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use

When in Doubt, Get a Home Energy Audit

If your bills are still climbing despite your efforts, consider a professional home energy audit. It takes just 30 minutes to a few hours, but the insights can lead to lasting savings and improved energy performance.

Enjoy the season without overspending on energy. With just a few tweaks, you can keep your holidays bright and your bills under control.

Click HERE to get your free quote today!