The holidays are a time for festivities and epic lighting displays. Our winter money-saving tips will help you save money and do your bit for the environment.
If you love the holidays as we do, you count down the days after Thanksgiving when it’s deemed appropriate to start decorating. Beautiful wreaths of pinecones and holly are only trumped by ethereal light displays. According to studies, running festive lights cost Americans around $645 million over the holidays. That's 645 million reasons to chalk up some winter money-saving tips, right?
The holidays can be the ideal time to give your entire household a lighting overhaul. LED is available in almost every imaginable application, from spotlights and downlights to touch lamps and garden lamps. Not only do LED lights draw up to 75% less energy than traditional lights, but they also last up to ten times longer. These lights are also pretty cost-effective when compared to regular tube lighting or incandescent globes.
People keep their decorations lit an average of six hours a day during the holidays. With a timer, you can program your lights to turn on only during the peak hours you want, say from 6 PM to 8 PM. A timer also comes in handy when you’re not at home, acting as a safety feature. Use smart technology to set up your timer through an app so you can control lights even when you’re out.
Turn to old-school German decor charm and use wooden handmade tree decorations, popcorn garlands, ribbons, and pinecones to decorate the tree. A single strand of lights will add some depth to the scene while keeping your costs down.
Instead of those enormous lawn decorations that draw a stack of energy, try the same rustic approach to outdoor trees too. Add some curb appeal with a few enormous red bows on smaller conifers. It’s an elegant, understated way to announce the joy of the season without running up the energy tab.
Fireplaces, including wood-burning and natural gas options, are great supplementary heating options. Plus, they turn on the cozy charm if you've got a mantel to adorn with wreaths, candles and stockings.
A smart thermostat is also a must-have for the energy-conscious. Set to a lower eco-friendly temperature (many apps will alert you to the ideal number) while you're out or sleeping, and schedule it to warm up when you're home or awake automatically.
It’s also worth mentioning that the more people settle around the dinner table for that delicious glazed gammon, the hotter the room. Kaching! Another win for dropping that thermostat.
For more fun money-saving ideas and lifestyle tips, check out our Save.com blog. And don't forget to look out for our mailer for coupons and ideas on smart holiday savings.
