The holiday season may call for you to use more electricity than usual, whether you’re decorating your home or entertaining frequently. Here are a few ways to save energy during this busy time and how an electrician can help.

How to Minimize Energy Usage During the Holidays

1. Use the Oven Light

When preparing meals for family and friends, don’t open the oven frequently to check on the food. You don’t want the hot air to escape and alter the cooking time. Moreover, heat loss can cause the temperature to plummet by up to 25 degrees. The oven has to put in extra work to reach the desired temperature once again. Instead, turn the oven light on and peek inside the window.

2. Opt for LED Lights

If you haven’t replaced your holiday decor in years, look into light-emitting diodes (LED). They use up to 70% less energy than traditional lights, allowing you to save significantly if you typically illuminate your home and yard during the season. They’re also more durable than incandescent bulbs and less likely to burn out.

But if you plan to arrange a large display with plentiful lights that require more circuits, an electrician can assist in safely setting this up.

3. Depend on a Timer  

Holiday lights look beautiful as they twinkle in the darkness, but you don’t need to leave them on all the time. If you aren’t in the habit of turning them off at night, install an electric timer that controls your holiday setup throughout the season.

A photocell timer is a practical choice that detects daylight, while a standard timer works like an alarm clock to turn the lights on and off based on your preferences. Either way, you can avoid unexpected calls to the electrician because of sudden ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) blowouts, which can occur when there’s a consistent heavy load placed on a circuit.

Before you hang your holiday lights for the season, have AA Electric check your home’s electrical system. They’ve served the Honolulu community since 1947 and will assist in proper lighting installation to ensure your property is safe and compliant. As the oldest electrical contracting business in the area and proud members of the Electrical Contractor Association of Hawaii, these professionals can handle any job, big or small. Visit the electricians online to learn about these services, or call them at (808) 841-4131 to schedule an appointment.