As the holiday season nears, follow these 12 energy efficiency tips around your home to help maximum your energy dollars:

  1. Deck your tree out with LED Lights. They use 70% less energy than traditional bulbs.
  2. Close your fireplace damper when a fire is not burning.
  3. Hire a trained professional to inspect your home’s heating system.
  4. Turn down your thermostat when hosting holiday parties. The extra visitors and cooking will warm your home.
  5. Install a programmable thermostat for a new year of energy savings.
  6. Use a timer to turn off holiday lights during the night while you are sleeping.
  7. Buy energy efficient electronics and appliances, and look for the Energy Star label.
  8. Caulk or weatherstrip to seal air leaks around doors and windows.
  9. Open curtains or blinds during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home; close them at night.
  10. Rechargeable batteries and chargers save energy and they make great stocking stuffers.
  11. Use the oven light to check your dishes rather than opening the oven door.
  12. Enlist a professional to conduct an energy audit of your home.