Some energy saving tips for this holiday season
This is the time of year where it is all too common to put up holiday lights, power up our electric blankets, and run the heater higher. So we may notice a little spike in our energy bills.
The energy saving experts at PG&E showed us ways to save during the coldest months of the year.
First, light-emitting diode (LED) lights consume 75-percent less energy than traditional incandescent lights, helping people save money on their power bills during the holiday season.
Next, you can save about two-percent of your heating bill for each degree that you lower the thermostat (if the turndown lasts a good part of the day or night). Turning down the thermostat from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, saves about 10-percent.
Also, set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This way you'll reduce the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain your hot water by not overheating it.
Finally, reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80-percent less energy than a standard oven.
