How to Use Less Energy During the Holidays

Updated November 20, 2019

The holiday season is generally a big time for energy use, but that doesn't mean it has to be that way. Here are some tips on how to save money by using less energy.

Switch to LED Christmas Lights

young boy looking at Christmas decoration with lit-up tree in background — Kelly Sillaste/Moment/Getty Images

LED Christmas lights use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, and can be purchased for around $10 a strand. Want to learn more?

Use Fiber Optic Decorations

fiber-optic green lights — Grafissimo/E+/Getty Images

Fiber optic trees and decorations are the ultimate in energy efficiency. In most cases, they use a single light bulb located at the base of the unit to light the entire decoration – now that's energy smart and budget-smart!

Limit the Time Lights are On

Automatic timer — Kameleon007/E+/Getty Images

Wait until dark to turn on your Christmas lights and then, turn them off before you go to bed. Six hours or less of daily use is a good goal to aim for. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your lights on and off? Then, set a timer, and forget about it.

Turn Off Room Lights When the Tree is Lit

Christmas tree in dark room — tshortell/E+/Getty Images

The lights on your Christmas tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room.

Decorate With Candles

Christmas candles — Tom Merton/OJO Images/Getty Images

Christmas lights are nice, but so are candles. Set up luminaries along your walkway and lit candles throughout your home to achieve a beautiful holiday glow, without adding to the electric bill.

Turn the Thermostat Down When You Have Guests

Christmas dinner with table full of guests — Sofie Delauw/Cultura/Getty Images

Extra bodies in the house mean extra warmth at no cost to you.

Buy Gifts that Don't Use Electricity or Batteries

woman tying bow on gift — Hero Images/Getty Images

According to energyquest.ca.gov, 40% off all batteries are purchased during the holiday season. That's a lot of money spent on batteries and a lot of energy used! Make a pledge to buy energy-free gifts, and skip the expense entirely.

Invest in Rechargeable Batteries and a Charger

If you buy or receive gifts that require batteries, consider purchasing rechargeable batteries and a charger. Recent advancements have made rechargeable batteries better than ever.

Buy Energy Star Electronics

Energy Star washing machine — Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Energy Star certified electronics – TVs, Blu-Ray players, and cordless phones – use up to 60 – less electricity than their non-certified counterparts. Visit energystar.gov for a list of qualifying models, and shop smart.

Take a Walk to See the Christmas Lights

family looking at house decorated for Christmas — Bob Berg/Moment Mobile/Getty Images

Leave the car in the driveway this year when you go out to look at Christmas lights. A walking tour of your neighborhood will be just as fun, and won't use any gas.

Bake Several Dishes at a Time

woman and boy pulling pans out of the oven — Hinterhaus Productions/Taxi/Getty Images

The holiday season is a big time for baking. Make the most of your oven and the energy that goes into heating it, by cooking several dishes at once. Remember: it takes the same amount of energy to heat a full oven as it does a nearly-empty one.

Use the Smallest Appliance to Get the Job Done

woman taking plate out of microwave — Monty Rakusen Cultura/Getty Image/

Use your microwave and toaster oven for small holiday cooking tasks; save the oven for big cooking tasks.

Keep Lids on Pots

pot with top cooking on stove — Bernard Van Berg/EyeEm/Getty Images

Foods cook faster (meaning less energy use) when the lid is on.

Unplug Phantom Energy Users Before You Go On Vacation

Plug with cable, Munich, Bavaria, Germany — T-Pool/Stock4B/Getty Images

TVs, DVD players, computers, printers, radios and many other electronics use energy even when they aren’t turned on. Unplug these items before you go on vacation, and enjoy the energy savings.