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 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
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Published on 12/08/11

Timers, slow cookers and LED lights are holiday energy savers

To save money during the holiday season, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension housing specialists offer the following energy saving tips.

1. Use LED lights for decorating purposes. They use 90 percent less electricity than conventional lights.

2. Use a timer to limit the length of time decorative lights are in use.

3. Set the thermostat to 55 degrees while enjoying a holiday fire and remember to close the flue when the fire has burned out.

4. Prevent heat loss by closing the door and standing outside to enjoy holiday carolers.

5. Give gifts that do not require electricity.

6. Prepare holiday meals using slow cookers that use very little electricity (roughly 17 cents worth per use).

7. Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Apply insulation to your water heater and pipes.

9. Use a surge protector and turn it off when lights and appliances are not in use.

10. Seal leaks and cracks and replace drafty windows with more energy efficient models.

(Written by Colin Couch, a University of Georgia/LEED GA graduate student.)

Experts/Sources:
Pamela R. Turner
Save energy over the holidays by using LED lights and placing them on a timer.
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