With cooling temperatures amid the approach to the holiday season, a few simple energy-saving habits can help keep your home comfortable, festive and efficient. From quick home maintenance tasks to smart holiday cooking and decorating tips, small steps now can help you make the most of the season.

Give Your Home an Energy Tune-Up

Before sweater weather arrives, take a few minutes to help keep warm air in and cooler air out.

• Windows and doors: Check for drafts around doors and windows. Worn weather-stripping can let conditioned air escape and outdoor air sneak in. Replacing worn seals is a quick weekend project that can improve comfort and help your heating system work more efficiently.
• Air filters: A clean HVAC filter helps air flow freely and can improve your system’s efficiency. Fall is also a great time to schedule a heating system checkup before cooler temperatures settle in.
• Let the sunshine in: Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day to take advantage of Arizona’s natural warmth. Close them at night to help retain heat.
• Flip your ceiling fans: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise during cooler months. This pushes warm air back into the room and can help make spaces feel cozier without adjusting the thermostat.
• Thermostat settings: Energy experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees over the winter months. A programmable or smart thermostat can make it easy to manage temperatures automatically. Bonus: a smart thermostat just might earn a spot on your holiday wish list. You can check out our Marketplace for savings.

Cook Smarter During the Holidays

Holiday meals bring people together, but they can also increase household energy use. A little planning can help keep things running smoothly.

• Make the most of your oven: Organize your menu so multiple dishes can cook at the same time whenever possible. Using the oven efficiently can save both time and energy.
• Keep the heat where it belongs: Use lids on pots to help food cook faster, and consider glass or ceramic bakeware, which retains heat well.
• Take advantage of a full house: Between cooking and a house full of family and friends, your home may stay warm naturally. You may be able to lower the thermostat a degree or two and still stay comfortable.
• Cleanup made easy: Let leftovers cool before refrigerating them and consider using the dishwasher for cleanup. It often uses less hot water than washing dishes by hand.

Deck the Halls Safely

The holidays are brighter when decorations are both festive and safe.

• Inspect cords and lights: Before decorating, check cords for damage and replace any that are frayed or cracked. Avoid overloading outlets and follow manufacturer recommendations for extension cords and power strips.
• Choose LEDs: LED holiday lights use less electricity and tend to last longer than traditional bulbs.
• Put lights on a timer: Timers make it easy to enjoy holiday displays without worrying about turning them on and off each day.
• Keep it simple: Creating holiday magic doesn’t have to mean creating holiday stress. A favorite wreath, treasured ornament collection or a few strings of lights can bring plenty of seasonal cheer without adding extra work to your to-do list.