You may be getting cozy in your home with the heat and holiday lights on. However, all that energy could leave a dent in your wallet.
Most people may see an increase on post-holiday energy bills, but there are a few things you can do to help cut those costs.
When it comes to putting up those holiday lights, experts suggest switching to LED lights. They are not only more efficient, but they last longer than incandescent lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you ran a string of mini incandescent lights for 12 hours per day for 40 days, you would spend approximately $6. However, LED lights would cost you 56 cents for the same running time.
When it comes to keeping your house warm, local experts suggest making sure your heating system is clean and running at a high-efficiency.
“A high-efficiency furnace or boiler can burn up to 98% efficiently, where one that is 20 or 30 years old might have started at 80%,” said Ed Miller Jr. with Sure Temp Heating & AC in Binghamton. “If it hasn’t been well-maintained, it might even be less than that.”
Experts also suggest turning down the temperature when you are not at home. If you have any people over for the holidays, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends turning down the thermostat. Between the stove, hot food, and warm bodies, the house should stay nice and warm.
