Reminders as you celebrate the season
Here are some safety and energy-saving reminders as you prepare to celebrate:
Lighting tips
- Use ENERGY STAR® LED holiday lights.
- Turn off holiday lights at bedtime and when you leave home. To make it easier, plug your light displays into a timer set to run during the earlier evening hours.
- Take care when climbing ladders to hang outdoor lights. Watch out for overhead power lines – stay more than 10 feet away from lines.
- Only use safety-tested lights and extension cords that carry the "UL" label.
- Do not use indoor lights outdoors and vice versa.
- Inspect cords and plugs each year for damage. If cords are hot to the touch, it's likely a sign of a problem.
Cooking and kitchen tips
- Cook by time and temperature. Precise timing eliminates repeated opening of the oven door to check for baking progress. Each time the door is opened, the temperature can drop 25° to 50°F.
- Bake with ceramic or glass dishes. You can lower the oven temperature by 25°F when baking with these dishes.
- Consider using the microwave or slow cooker to prepare your meal.
- Run your dishwasher when it is filled to capacity, but not overloaded.
For details about energy efficiency and Wattsmart® cash rebates for home upgrades, visit our website at Wattsmart.com.