Emerald Coast Energy Solutions; Holiday Energy Saving Tips

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By Chris Balzer,

Energy Saving

Throughout this season, and as we move into a new  year, we wish you moments of peace amid difficulties, connections with family and friends and the warmth of memories from holidays past and wonderful glimpses of the joy that still lives under the surface.

We would also like to share a few holiday energy savings tips to help brighten your nights and lower your energy bills.

Switch to LED lights when decorating.  LED lights use 80 to 90% less energy than incandescent lights.  It is estimated that 4 strands of LED lights will save $30 this month compared to 4 strands of the traditional lighting.  It is also a good idea to use timers to reduce the amount of time holiday lighting stays on, plus one less thing to worry about.

When cooking the holiday feast, don’t forget about the smaller appliances.  Crockpots and microwaves use less energy and give off less heat than ovens and stoves.  Also consider co-cooking.  If one dish needs to bake at 400° and the other at 350°, consider sharing the baking time and set your oven at 375° and bake both dishes.

We typically use our common appliances more during the holidays.  Many of our water heaters are set to 140° from the manufacturer.  Lowering the setting to 120° will save energy and money.  When showering, many of us will start with the hot water turned all the way up and then add cold water for a comfortable temperature.  By doing this, you are cooling the hot water which you spent energy and money to heat.  Lowering water heater temperatures on your hot water heater saves energy and money.

Don’t run dishwashers when they are half full, this wastes energy.  Also, use cold water in your clothes washer.  Most new clothes washers are designed for cold water and get your clothes just as clean.  When drying clothes, throw a few dryer balls into the dryer with your load, this will reduce drying time.  If your dryer has an auto dry option (moisture sensing), use that option instead of timed dry and clean the lint trap between loads—this improves air circulation and increases the efficiency of the dryer.

Electronics are always a popular gift.  You can get those electronics and save energy.  When choosing electronics: TV’s, computers, gaming consoles, etc… always look for Energy Star qualified electronics.  These qualified electronics use less energy and save energy.  Rechargeable batteries and LED lighting may not be on top of anyone’s list but they make great stocking stuffers and save energy.   Also consider using smart power strips and turn off the electronics completely.  Many electronics, even when powered off, still use energy.  I call them energy vampires.

If you plan to leave this holiday season, think about automating your home.  Put exterior and interior lighting on timers to avoid being on all day and night.  Add a thermostat which you can control via Wi-Fi and your smartphone in the event we get a cold streak or heat wave during the time you are away, you can control your home’s temperature.  Also remember to unplug those energy vampire electronics which use energy even when turned off.

When shopping for groceries, buying local foods and goods not only supports our community but saves energy by reducing transportation related energy costs.

It is always a good idea to give your home an energy checkup by a professional.  They can pinpoint your biggest energy loss areas and provide suggestions and solutions to become more energy efficient.

We wish you and your loved ones a Happy, Safe and Energy Efficient Holiday Season.

Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions which is a Smile Provider Company.  We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills.  For more information on how to save and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.

The post Emerald Coast Energy Solutions; Holiday Energy Saving Tips appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information.

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