The holiday season brings warmth, delicious food and gathering loved ones, which means more cooking, extra guests and twinkling lights can put a strain on your utility bill.
Use these smart, simple tips to keep your home cozy, your celebration bright and your energy costs in check this season.
Heat & Comfort: Simple Thermostat Tweaks
- Turn Down the Dial: The hustle and bustle of holiday hosting—plus the heat generated from the oven—will naturally warm your home. Take advantage and lower your thermostat by a few degrees; your furnace won’t have to work as hard.
- Layer Up, Don’t Crank Up: Before reaching for the thermostat, try adding a blanket or wearing a heavier sweater while relaxing. Your energy bill will thank you for choosing cozy layers over furnace heat.
Kitchen Efficiency: Cook Smarter, Not Harder
- Maximize Your Oven Space: Plan ahead to bake multiple dishes at similar temperatures simultaneously. When the oven is on, keep the door closed—opening it can drop the temperature by 20 degrees, forcing the oven to waste energy reheating.
- Opt for Smaller Appliances: Utilize energy-efficient alternatives like microwaves, slow cookers and toaster ovens for side dishes and reheating. They consume significantly less power than a full-sized oven.
- Stovetop Savings: When possible, swap the oven for the stovetop. It generally uses less energy for cooking.
Post-Meal Energy Hacks
- Cool Leftovers First: A common mistake is putting hot food directly into the fridge. Let your leftovers cool completely in an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents your fridge from having to work harder and use more energy to maintain its temperature.
- The Dishwasher Advantage: When you’re ready to clean up, run a full load in the dishwasher. It uses less than half the energy and water compared to handwashing, where hot water is often left running too long.
Essential Holiday Kitchen Safety Reminders
With the kitchen as the heart of your holiday gathering, safety is crucial. Keep your family and guests protected with these quick reminders:
- Test Smoke Detectors: Ensure all smoke detectors are working before the cooking marathon begins.
- Active Supervision: Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. Use kitchen timers to prevent forgetting a dish.
- Clear the Zone: Keep all flammable items (towels, paper, decorations) away from heat sources. Establish a three-foot safety perimeter for children and pets around the stove and hot food.
- Power Protection: Use power strips with surge protection to avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Be Prepared: Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, just in case.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your home is comfortable, your energy use is optimized and your guests are protected, letting you truly savor the holiday season.
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