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As Thanksgiving approaches, many households are gearing up for family gatherings, big meals, and festive decor. While it’s a wonderful time to celebrate, the increased energy usage can lead to a noticeable spike in your electric bill. Here are a few practical tips to help you save energy this Thanksgiving while keeping your home cozy and safe.

1. Switch to LED Lighting

Switching to LED bulbs is a quick win for energy savings. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer. Consider upgrading your lighting, especially in rooms where family and friends will gather. You’ll enjoy a well-lit home without worrying about a huge electricity bill. Learn more about LEDs from Brandon here

2. Use the Oven Wisely

Thanksgiving cooking marathons are fun but can consume a lot of energy. Here are two quick tips:

• Resist the urge to peek. Every time you open the oven door, you can lose up to 25 degrees of heat, making the oven work harder. Instead, use the oven light to check on your dishes.

• Cook dishes together. If possible, use the oven for multiple dishes at once to save time and energy. This way, you’ll make the most of each session without needing to reheat the oven.

3. Lower the Thermostat When Hosting

Having more people in the house naturally warms things up, meaning you can set the thermostat a few degrees lower without sacrificing comfort. If you have a smart thermostat, use its “eco” mode when everyone heads out for Black Friday shopping or Thanksgiving events. A small adjustment can result in significant savings, especially if you’re hosting a larger group.

4. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

Appliances and devices can still draw energy when they’re plugged in, even if they’re turned off—this is known as “phantom” energy drain. With extra kitchen gadgets in use for holiday cooking, make it a habit to unplug any non-essential items when you’re done. Small actions, like unplugging the slow cooker or coffee maker, can add up to meaningful energy savings over the season.

5. Prevent Overloaded Circuits

With all the holiday cooking, decorations, and extra lights, it’s easy to accidentally overload circuits. Make sure each major appliance, like an oven or microwave, is plugged into a dedicated outlet to prevent tripping the circuit. If you’re using extension cords or power strips for holiday lights, keep them to a minimum and avoid overloading any single outlet.

6. Control Holiday Decor with Power Strips

Holiday lights bring cheer but can also hike up your energy bill if left on all night. Plugging lights into a power strip with an on/off switch makes it easy to control multiple decorations at once. Consider setting your lights on a timer, so they turn off automatically in the late evening—this will save energy and keep electrical usage in check.

7. Make Use of Natural Light

Thanksgiving lunches or early dinners are perfect for maximizing natural light. Open your blinds or curtains to create a warm, inviting space without extra lighting or even use candles to light your table! It saves energy and adds to the cozy holiday ambiance.

Final Tip: Schedule a Pre-Holiday Energy Audit

Want to be extra prepared for the holiday season? An energy audit can help identify areas where you can save on energy and check for any safety issues with your electrical system. As professional electricians, we’re here to make sure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for all your Thanksgiving festivities.

With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a safe, energy-efficient Thanksgiving celebration. Contact Esposito’s if you have any questions