Save money on energy during the holidays : News : ConnectMidMissouri.com

Save money on energy during the holidays

Posted: 12.06.2011 at 2:06 PM

Zach Paul

Zach Paul is the chief meteorologist.

If you’re like most Americans trying to save a penny, this time of year can make it difficult with holiday gift buying and the extra use of gas and electricity. The average family spends 2200 dollars each year on energy bills and roughly half of that is to heat and cool your home.

Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy demand and home energy bills.
CoMo_living windows

Here’s a Tip: Hold on to your holiday spirit while saving energy AND money this season. Look for holiday lights that have the Energy Star logo. This means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Many Energy Star labeled strands use light emitting diodes (LEDs). This type of light is more efficient than their traditional incandescent counterparts:
-Energy-Saving: Energy Star light strands use about 70 percent less energy than conventional incandescent lights. The amount of energy used by just one incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs – that’s enough lights for two 24-foot strings!
-Long-lived: LED light strands last up to 10 times longer than traditional strands.
-Safer: LED lights stay cool to the touch, which reduces the risk of fire.

By adding a timer to your holiday lighting display you could save even more energy. Set lights to turn on at night and off during the day.

Related Links

		Decorative Light Strings
		Energy Star

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