Holiday Tips
Happy holidays from Hawaii Energy! Check out our top ten tips for the holiday season.
(1) Switch to LED Holiday Lights
By using six strings of 100 LED holiday lights instead of old-fashioned incandescent lights, you will save approximately $13 on Oahu in electricity cost, $14 on Maui, and $16 on Hawaii Island, Lanai and Molokai. What’s more, LED lights are cooler to the touch and safer. (Savings are based on each island's November 2011 effective electricity rate and use of 600 non-blinking holiday lights for six hours for 30 days.)
(2) Use Timers for the Lights
Consider using a timer with a lighting sensor on your indoor and outdoor holiday lights.
(3) Turn Off Room Lights When the Holiday Lights on the Tree are Lit
When you turn off room lights, you save energy and make your tree the centerpiece of the room.
(4) Decorate with LED-Style Candles
LED-style candles are safer than traditional burning candles.
(5) Try Alternative Holiday Cooking Methods
Consider and try alternative holiday cooking methods to save time and energy – and to infuse some new flavors. On average, a 16-pound turkey takes four hours to cook in a conventional oven whereas it takes less than two hours to cook the same turkey outdoors kiawe-style.
(6) Turn off the Air Conditioner
Enjoy the Hawaiian "winter" – the slight chill in the air – while it lasts.
(7) Buy Gifts That Don't Use Electricity or Batteries
Gifts that don't need electricity or batteries are better for our environment – and your wallet.
(8) Invest in Rechargeable Batteries
If you must use batteries, consider rechargeable batteries.
(9) Buy ENERGY STAR® Labeled Items as Gifts
Always look for ENERGY STAR® labeled items.
(10) Walk, Instead of Drive, to See the Holiday Lights in Your Community
Walk off the eggnog and holiday cookies. Plus, you'll save on gas.