The holiday season is upon us—a time for twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and unfortunately, skyrocketing energy bills. Between elaborate light displays, frequent cooking, and guests coming and going, the average household sees an increase in energy consumption during the holidays. But celebrating the season doesn't have to mean sacrificing sustainability or breaking the bank. With some smart planning and energy-conscious choices, you can enjoy all the warmth and wonder of the holidays while keeping your carbon footprint and costs in check. Read on for practical tips to keep your energy bills from increasing this holiday season.

Brighten Your Holidays with LED Efficiency

Everyone loves festive lighting this time of year. But those traditional incandescent bulbs are energy vampires. Making the switch to LED holiday lights is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent strings and last 15 times longer—meaning you likely won't need to buy new ones next year.

The savings are substantial: running LED lights for 12 hours daily through the holiday season costs about $0.27, compared to $10 for incandescent lights. If you're decorating multiple trees or creating an outdoor display, these savings multiply quickly. Plus, LEDs run cooler than traditional bulbs, reducing fire risk—especially important when lights are near dry evergreen branches.

To maximize your energy savings, put your holiday lights on programmable timers or smart plugs. Set them to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime, eliminating the energy waste of lights blazing away while everyone sleeps. Many smart plugs can even be controlled through your phone, letting you turn lights on just before you arrive home.

In addition to holiday light bulbs, US homes are increasingly moving away from incandescent light bulbs and toward LED lights for their indoor lighting. According to the Energy Information Association (EIA), 47% of households reported using LED light bulbs in 2020.

Get a Home Energy Audit Before Winter Is In Full Swing

Consider giving yourself the gift of long-term savings with a home energy audit. The holidays mark the beginning of peak heating season, making this the perfect time to identify and fix energy leaks that could be costing you real money. Many states offer free or subsidized home energy audits during the winter months.

Professional energy auditors use specialized equipment like infrared cameras and blower doors to find hidden air leaks, insufficient insulation, and inefficient heating systems.

Common issues identified in winter energy audits include:

• Drafty windows and doors that let heated air escape
• Inadequate attic insulation causing heat loss through the roof
• Inefficient furnaces working overtime to maintain temperature
• Air leaks around electrical outlets and switch plates

Simple fixes like weather stripping, caulking, and adding door sweeps can reduce heating costs. For more significant improvements, many utilities offer rebates on insulation upgrades and high-efficiency heating systems.

Smart Hosting for Sustainable Celebrations

Holiday entertaining puts extra demands on your home's energy systems. Your oven runs for hours, the dishwasher works overtime, and doors constantly open and close as guests arrive. But with strategic planning, you can host memorable gatherings without wasting energy.

Start in the kitchen, where most holiday energy consumption happens. When cooking multiple dishes, you can maximize your oven's efficiency by cooking several items at once. Your oven uses the same amount of energy whether it's cooking one dish or four, so you can save energy by batching your baking.

For holiday parties, adjust your thermostat down a few degrees before guests arrive. Body heat from a house full of people will naturally warm the space. You'll save energy while keeping everyone comfortable.

Join the Clean Energy Movement with Community Solar

Want to support renewable energy this holiday season? Community Solar offers an innovative solution that requires no installation, no upfront costs, and works whether you rent or own your home. When you subscribe to a Community Solar farm, you're supporting local clean energy development while saving on your electricity costs (usually between 5 and 20%). Community Solar is particularly beneficial during high-energy months like December and January, when those savings really add up.

Already enjoying Community Solar savings? Spread the holiday cheer by referring friends and family to Ampion's program. It's a gift that keeps giving all year long—they'll save money on electric bills while supporting clean energy. Many Community Solar programs offer referral bonuses, with both you and your friend receiving rewards like $100 Visa gift cards when they complete enrollment. Log into your Ampion portal to share this sustainable gift with loved ones.

The holidays don't mean you have to choose between festive and frugal, or merry and mindful. By implementing these energy-saving strategies, you can reduce your environmental impact while keeping more money in your pocket for what really matters—creating memories with loved ones.

Start with simple swaps like LED lights and smart power strips. Schedule that home energy audit to prepare for winter. And consider joining the Community Solar movement to support renewable energy while saving on electricity costs.