Ghoulish and Green: Energy-Efficiency Tips for Halloween

Green Home, Seasonal and Holiday

It is no doubt there is a lot going on around the Halloween season; from decorating the yard, to buying gobs of candy, to getting those impressively unique costumes ready. It’s enough to make you forget how much energy you’re consuming. PSO has you covered with tips, tricks, and treats to keep your Halloween scary — in the fun way.

Afraid of the dark? Try LED lights!

In the long term, LED bulbs’ durability — and efficiency —  pays off. In fact, LED light bulbs can last between 20,000 to 50,000 hours, which is up to five times longer than any comparable light bulb. They also consume significantly less energy than the alternatives. Making the switch could brighten up your energy bill, as PSO is offering homeowners instant rebates homeowners who upgrade to LED light bulbs.

Seal up your lair.

Caulking and weatherstripping your doors and windows is one of the easiest ways to trap in warm air and save money on heating. Even if the caulking in your home is just a couple years old, you should still consider replacing it as a precaution. Also, keep in mind the different types of caulking available to use: silicone is more durable and can stand up to the elements, while latex comes in different colors to match your home’s interior.

Set your lights for witching hour.

The appeal of a giant graveyard in your front lawn that lights up and plays spooky sounds is obvious. However, it can do scary things to your electricity bills. This Halloween, put your outdoor decorations on an electrical timer. Most commonly used with interior lighting, timers contain built-in clocks that supply electricity only at pre-programmed hours of the day. Installing them on bigger decorations means your light-up graveyard won’t consume electricity during the daytime.

There’s something in the attic.

When colder weather comes your way, keep the attic at the top of your mind. Up to 85% of a house’s heat loss can be attributed to improper installation of insulation. Therefore, making sure your insulation is in tip-top shape is one of the best things you can do for your home’s cold-weather energy consumption. It’s surprisingly easy to install — new insulation can be layered on top of any existing insulation without problems. Just don’t disturb any restless spirits up there.