Energy efficiency is a holiday gift that keeps on giving year round, reducing energy costs while improving our environment. In the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas, here are a dozen tips to help make your holidays efficient and safe.

  1. On the first day of savings, adjust your water heater if you’re planning to be away from home for the holidays. Turn your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temperature to 50 degrees to reduce energy use.
  2. Day 2: Turn down the thermostat a few degrees as you prepare for holiday gatherings. Your furnace won’t have to work as hard with a room full of warm bodies.
  3. Day 3: Open the curtains and blinds if you are getting ready for a daytime party. Try to take advantage of the sun’s radiant heat in our sunny Tucson weather.
  4. Day 4: Consider using a microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker or instant pot for some of your dishes for your holiday parties. You’ll use much less energy than a stovetop or oven. If you’re using the oven, bake or roast several dishes at once.
  5. Day 5: Cool down your leftovers before putting them in the refrigerator. Warm foods make your refrigerator work harder and use more energy.
  6. Day 6: Reheat your leftovers in the microwave rather than an oven. Using a microwave can reduce your energy use by 80 percent, according to ENERGY STAR.
  7. Day 7: Decorate thoughtfully for the season. While the initial price of LED light strings may be higher, they are far more efficient and cost-effective than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they use less energy, are cooler to the touch and last longer.
  8. Day 8: Avoid phantom energy. Unplug your appliances and small electronics when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy draws.
  9. Day 9: Install a timer that can automatically turn your holiday lights on and off. You can also schedule different settings for different days for holiday, porch or indoor lights when you are away.
  10. Day 10: If you’re using a fireplace for warm ambiance this season, make sure you close the flue when it’s not in use. That will make sure conditioned air doesn’t fly up the chimney, so your home stays cozy and toasty.
  11. Day 11: Plan for your time away. Before you go, set your thermostat to a lower temperature that is still safe for plants and other items left behind and will prevent interior pipes from freezing. If you have a smart thermostat, set it to vacation or away mode.
  12. Day 12: Resist keeping the holiday and tree lights on for Santa. It’s generally best to turn them off when you go to bed for energy efficiency and safety.
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