Winter is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. Here are some basic ways to cut your energy usage this holiday season!

The holiday season is a time for celebration and gatherings with loved ones, but it can also be a time when energy usage spikes due to all the extra lighting, cooking, and gift-giving. However, there are ways to save energy and still have a festive holiday season that doesn’t break the bank!
September 30, 2022

1. Use LED lights/unplug decorations

One way to save energy is to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs for your holiday decorations. According to Energy.gov, LED lights use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, all while looking the exact same as regular light bulbs. They also produce less heat, which can be a bonus for anyone who has a lot of lights on their tree and wants to keep them fresh and healthy.

Another way to save energy is to unplug any holiday decorations when they are not in use or set a timer to turn them off from midnight to sunset (when your beautiful lights will likely not be seen by many). Many decorations, such as string lights and inflatable lawn ornaments, use energy even when they are turned off. By unplugging these items completely, you can save a significant amount of energy.

Image by TheSpruce, bauhaus1000

2. Reduce the use of high energy consuming appliances

In the kitchen, there are also ways to save energy while cooking and baking for the holidays. Using a microwave instead of an oven can save a lot of energy, as can using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. These appliances use less energy to cook food and can be a great option for holiday meals.

Image by Freepik.com, rawpixel.com

3. Use alternative energy sources to power your holiday decor

Finally, consider using alternative sources of energy to power your holiday celebrations. Solar-powered lights and decorations are a great way to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Here and here are solar-powered lawn decorations from Amazon (Want to know how you can get Amazon gift cards just by saving energy? Continue reading this blog to learn how!) You can also use a solar-powered charger for your phone or other devices to reduce your reliance on energy from the grid. Lastly, you can purchase a smart thermostat to save energy and money on your electricity bill by having the ability to pre heat/cool your home from the comfort of your smartphone.

Image by Overstock.com

By making a few simple changes, you can have an energy-efficient holiday season while still enjoying all the traditions and celebrations of the season.

So, how about we gift you something this holiday season. If you are going to participate in energy saving efforts, you might as well get paid for it! Sign up for Meltek today and get paid simply for unplugging devices, turning off lights, reducing the use of high energy consuming appliances, and much more! The savings don’t stop there. Refer your friends and family and earn an additional $5 per successful referral you make. We know the holiday season can get expensive, so our goal is to put some of your own money back into your pockets!