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Access Youth Academy has partnered with SDG&E. Several times throughout the year we will provide articles and tips to help decrease energy usage and increase savings on your utility bills!
Keep holiday light decorating safe, ENERGY-efficient, festive and fun
People love lighting up their homes for the holidays – whether it’s inside your home along the fireplace, or on your front lawn decorating your trees and bushes. What most people don’t love is the increase in their electricity bill after all the holiday cheer and lights are gone.
Here are some ways to be energy-efficient this holiday season:
1. Make smart lighting choices - LED holiday lights are the way to go! They use up to 80% less energy, are brighter and safer, as they are much cooler than incandescent lights. They’re easier to install—up to 24 strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. They last ten times longer and have no filaments or glass to break.
2. Limit usage of energy - Set timers for lights to turn on and off automatically. Keep light displays on during the evening and turn them off overnight. Set timers for lights to automatically turn on when it gets dark and off in the middle of the night. You can save more by keeping light displays on only 8 hours of the evening (when you can see them).
3. Get reflective - Shiny ornaments, tinsel and mirrors can multiply the effects of your lighting without using more energy. Be sure to keep tinsel away from pets, though. Reflective ornaments and tinsel are just as bright at night, so getting creative with your lighting display can multiply your resources for shine. Don't forget the ribbons, wreaths, garland, and reflective menorahs, for electricity- free age-old traditions still bring holiday cheer.