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The Holiday Season is Almost Here As November kicks off, it’s hard to believe we’ll soon be gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. This festive time of year brings joy and warmth, but as the weather gets cooler and we spend more time indoors, the holidays can also bring increased energy use and a higher risk of electrical and fire hazards.
Our team at Oakdale Electric Cooperative cares about your well-being. This month, I’d like to share a few tips to help you stay safe and efficient during the holiday season.
Safety first.
My family enjoys decorating our home for the holidays. Before we do that, I always check electrical cords and light strands to make sure they aren’t damaged. This allows us to know that our holiday lights are ready to safely brighten our home. I also double check the lights we use outside to make sure they’re rated for outdoor use.
My wife and daughter also enjoy holiday-scented candles. While festive, candles can create fire hazards and should never be left unattended. One of the best and easiest ways to safeguard your home is to test smoke alarms often. Testing smoke alarms only takes a few seconds and could save lives, so I recommend making it a habit.
’Tis the season for savings.
Spending more time indoors with a few more guests in the home can really impact home energy use. By taking a few small steps to save energy during the holiday season, you can lower your bill.
Since heating and cooling makes up the majority of home energy consumption, the thermostat is one of the best places for savings. Lower it a few degrees, especially when you have family or friends stopping by.
Your family can also save energy by decorating with LED holiday lights. LEDs are the most energy efficient lighting options available, and they last much longer than traditional bulbs.
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