Holiday parties, gifts, decor — ’tis the season for extra expenses, but your energy bill shouldn’t be one of them! Let’s talk about how to reduce the unnecessary yuletide costs that strain your budget this time of year. Here are four easy ways to save during the holidays:

1. Make the Switch to LEDs

Stop replacing one strand of iridescent lights at a time, and pick up a pack of LEDs instead.

With their wide range of colors, it’s easy to get the warm, vintage look you love while saving 75 percent off your holiday lighting bill. They may seem pricey side-by-side on the shelves, but keep in mind that LEDs outshine traditional holiday bulbs in every category: They glow brighter, stay cooler (this makes them significantly safer), and last up to 10 times longer.

Switching all of your lights at once is a great investment, but you can also start mixing in one strand at a time to start saving gradually.

BONUS TIP: Adjusting your regular lighting habits during the holidays can save you even more. Let your tree or other pre-lit decor create the ambiance in the room, and avoid using overhead lights and even lamps unless you need them.

2. Optimize Exterior Lights

The days are short enough this time of year; don’t get caught with exterior lights on while the sun is still up. Wait till it’s dark to light up your home, and don’t forget to unplug the lights before you go to bed. It’s a good idea to set an alarm on your phone to keep the timing consistent, but the best option is to use smart lights or a timer so you’ll never have to think about this again!

3. Use Your Fireplace

Nothing welcomes the nostalgia and warmth of the holiday season like the crackle of a fire in the fireplace. Give your heating system (and bill) a break by using your fireplace to cultivate the cozy winter vibes. And be sure to dress warm! Fuzzy socks and a warm sweater can also go a long way to keep you warm without cranking up the thermostat.

4. Team up with Your Thermostat

Going out of town? Turn the temperature down 10 to 15 degrees to maximize savings while you’re away. You can set it between 50 and 60 degrees with no fear of frozen pipes.  Even better, programmable thermostats can help save you money every time you leave the house.

To cut your heating costs even more, bundle up in bed, and turn down the temperature while you sleep.

BONUS TIP:  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10 percent on heating and cooling costs annually by setting your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer for eight hours per day. Be mindful of your habits, strategize, and you can save real money year-round!

Did you know that you can get a programmable thermostat at no cost during a Home Energy Assessment with HomeWorks? Schedule with us today for more energy-saving tips and to get a custom home energy report.

More About HomeWorks Energy, Your Local Mass Save® Contractor

Since 2008, our HomeWorks Energy Specialists have performed over 200,000 energy assessments and completed over 71,000 insulation jobs. The Mass Save Home Energy Assessments we provide are no cost to you and come with many benefits for homeowners and renters alike, which is why we want every Massachusetts resident to know about them! We also employ a highly skilled team of licensed HVAC and weatherization professionals, so we can see your project through from assessment to completed upgrade. Find out why we’re proud to be the largest Home Performance Contractor in the state by scheduling a Home Energy Assessment or Heating and Cooling Consultation today.

We’re your trusted neighborhood energy specialists, and we’re working to make our state greener, one home at a time.