Save Some Energy for the Holidays

The cost of heating oil is seeing a double digit increase this winter to $2.81 per gallon, which may seem like a bargain compared to filling up your car’s gas tank but not when you receive monthly utility bills.

Energy output is up in many different areas during winter, from increased heating to holiday lighting to more family gatherings and homecooked meals. But the most expensive impact of energy consumption this winter could be on the environment, so Earth 911 has some suggestions for how to reduce your energy use during the holidays.

The Heat is On

So what is your favorite household temperature when the weather outside is frightful? Room temperature is somewhere in the range of 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can surely tolerate a room that is 68 degrees. Keep this fact in mind: for every one degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you’ll save up to five percent on your heating costs. Not to mention, reducing the temperature by just two degrees can reduce 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

One good way to warm up your house without using excessive heat is by weatherstripping your doors and windows. The cracks between doors and windows are the perfect opportunity for heating to escape. The U.S. Department of Energy has an extensive section on weatherstripping, even breaking down the types and where you’ll want to install them.

While lighting some fires in the fireplace may seem like an eco-friendly heating alternative this winter, keep in mind that fires produce carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas. While fires burn up paper so it won’t end up in a landfill, the best alternative would be wrapping up in a warm blanket to stay warm.

Shine Some Light on the Subject

Lights are synonymous with the holidays, and not just because Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. Even if you don’t cover your house with rooftop light displays to impress the neighbors, you’re bound to use more lighting when the days are shorter.

The best way to monitor your lighting is to install energy-efficient bulbs. Around the house, installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) can significantly save the amount of energy you use. A CFL uses only 20 percent of the energy of an incandescent bulb, and also lasts up to 10 times longer. So, you’ll not only save money on utilities, but you’ll have to change bulbs less often.

One thing to remember when installing CFLs, though, is that they contain small traces of mercury. Be careful when installing, and also remember to recycle them using Earth 911′s recycle locator at the top of this page, so you won’t be putting toxic chemicals into the environment.

If you’re lighting a Christmas tree, consider using LED lights which use 80-99 percent less energy than incandescents. You should also check out light timers, so lights will automatically turn on in the evening and off when you go to bed. That way you won’t have to search your way around the house in the dark.

With all the energy you’ll save using these tips, you’ll be sure to make Santa’s “nice” list this year. For more information on having a green holiday season, visit Earth 911′s Green Your Holidays section.