Electricity Usage During the Holidays

November 29, 2012
Folks are installing those outdoor holiday decorations all around the area. With the advent of the mini light strings, lighting up your home for the holidays has become a very popular item. Fortunately, for the most part, these mini lights are not big power users. However, they do have an effect on your electric bill.
Since the electric utilities are always educating us on ways to cut our usage, maybe this December will be a good time to incorporate some of the suggestions to offset any extra usage from our decorations.
Electronics use power even when they are on standby. Turning them completely off is a first step, but unplugging will totally stop the power use.
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with the CFLs will further reduce usage. These light bulbs have improved since they were first introduced and can be purchase with different light effects.
Setting timers so that lights are not left on longer than necessary. For sure turning lights off when you leave a room.
Running dishwashers, washing machines and dryers only with full loads.
I followed these recommendations for a month and it my electric bill did reflect the savings. Check it out for yourself.