🎁 Special Programs and Resources
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Rebates & Incentives:
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Take the Free DIY Home Energy Audit: CLICK HERE
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Monitor Energy Usage: Sign up for SmartHub
💡 Energy-Saving Tips
| Shine Bright, Save Big: | Replace older, standard holiday lights with LEDs. They use up to 90% less energy and last longer, making them a brilliant investment. |
| Set it and Forget it: | Use automatic timers or smart plugs for your decorative lighting. Your lights look beautiful, but only when someone is awake to see them! |
| Don't Overheat the Party: | When guests arrive and the oven is on, your house will naturally warm up! Gently turn your thermostat down a few degrees (try setting it to 68 degrees) to compensate for the extra warmth from cooking and company. |
| Give Your Furnace a Breath of Fresh Air: | A clean furnace filter helps your heating system run smoothly and efficiently. Check it this month! |
| Cook Smart, Not Hard: | Use smaller appliances like slow cookers, air fryers, and microwaves when possible—they use far less energy than preheating a large oven. When you do use the oven, try to cook multiple dishes at once! |
| Unplug the Vampires: | Electronics (like TVs, gaming consoles and phone chargers) can still sneakily draw power even when turned off. Unplug them or switch them off using a power strip before you travel. |
💧 Water-Saving Tips
| Full Load is the Best Load: | Wait until your dishwasher is completely full before running it. If hand-washing, fill the sink basin to wash and rinse instead of letting the water run continuously. |
| Plan Ahead for Dinner: | Thaw frozen items like turkey or ham in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave—never under a running tap! |
| A Drink for Your Tree: | The water you use to rinse vegetables or fruit can be saved and used to water your Christmas tree or houseplants. |
| Keep it Short and Sweet: | Gently remind everyone to turn off the water while brushing their teeth or shaving. |
| Pre-Holiday Inspection: | A small leak can waste a lot of water quickly. Give your faucets and toilets a quick check before guests arrive to ensure everything is drip-free! |
🏠 Safety & Travel Preparation
| Inspect Your Lights: | Always check your light strings and extension cords for frayed wires or damage before you plug them in. Never put indoor lights outside! |
| Don't Blow a Fuse on Christmas Eve: | Be careful not to plug too many lights into one outlet or extension cord. Overloading can be dangerous. |
| Watch Out Above! | When putting up outdoor lights or decorations, always keep your ladder and decorations clear of power lines, utility boxes, and electrical equipment. |
| Protect Your Pipes While You Travel: | If you leave home during cold weather, keep your thermostat set to at least $55^\circ\text{F}$ to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. |
| Give Your Water Heater a Break: | If you are traveling for more than a few days, consider lowering the temperature setting on your water heater or switching it to "vacation mode." |