With hosting family members and turning up the heat, energy bills can get pretty high during the holiday season. It might seem like there’s no way around it, but there are a few tips you can follow to make sure you’re not breaking your budget.
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Here’s what ChatGPT suggested.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Some of those old string lights might be costing you. If you’re not using LED lights already for your holiday twinkles, ChatGPT said they can use 75% to 90% less energy than other bulbs.
ChatGPT also suggested using solar-powered lights to really cut down on the reliance on electricity and using a timer for lights to ensure you don’t leave them on for a long time and rack up a pricey bill. You can also use candles or battery-operated lights, which will cost little to nothing to light up a room.
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Adjust Your Thermostat
According to ChatGPT, even taking the heat down 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce your bills.
ChatGPT also suggested using a programmable thermostat that drops temperatures while you’re sleeping or when no one is home. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a programmable thermostat can save you 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. Also, if you can, ChatGPT said you might also want to set zones, so you heat only the rooms you’re using.
Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation
There might be some cheap fixes you can make around your home that can cut down your heating costs.
ChatGPT suggested checking windows and doors for leaks and adding weather stripping or draft stoppers where needed. According to CNET, weather stripping can cost less than $10 but can save a lot of money on utilities. Additionally, ChatGPT said to cover windows with thermal curtains at night to keep heat in and to close vents in unused rooms.
Use Appliances Wisely
The heater isn’t the only place you can conserve energy. ChatGPT added that batch cooking on the oven and stove can help save money, and that you might even consider using the microwave or slow cooker for smaller meals. When it comes to the dishwasher, “run only full loads and use air-dry mode,” according to ChatGPT.
Unplug Idle Electronics
If you are going away during the holidays, you don’t need to have your devices and chargers plugged into the wall. ChatGPT said it’s best to unplug anything you’re not using. “Chargers, TV setups and gaming consoles draw power even when off — unplug them or use a smart power strip,” ChatGPT suggested.
In fact, per Neighborly, unused devices that are plugged in account for an average of 10% of a utility bill. Not only that, but leaving them plugged in can be a fire hazard.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you have the means, switching to energy-efficient items in your home will definitely help you save money on your bills.
“Smart thermostats, LED fixtures and Energy Star appliances may have upfront costs but pay off in lower bills year-round,” ChatGPT said. “If you host large holiday meals often, think about induction cooktops or convection ovens — they cook faster and use less energy.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT How To Lower My Energy Bill During the Holidays — Here’s What It Said
