Fourth of July Savings

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in our country and in New England, it’s no exception. The Fourth of July means grilling, swimming, and hanging with family and friends – but this holiday can also be a drain on your home’s energy.

There are a lot of creative ways to make this year’s Fourth of July more efficient and fun for everyone. Find out how to save some money this year while celebrating the red, white, and blue.

Get Cookin’

One of the biggest and best parts about the Fourth of July is the food. If you’re hosting a bunch of guests this year, consider these ideas to help you save some time and energy.

For meals that allow it, consider serving cold foods such as deli sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables. This will virtually eliminate the need for using your microwave or oven, keeping your home cooler. As an added bonus, these foods can potentially make cleanup a bit easier at the end of the day. Additionally, your houseguests may thank you for providing some cooler meal options to enjoy on a hot summer’s day.

For menu items that require cooking, consider using your grill as an alternative to your microwave, stovetop, or oven. A charcoal grill will help save on gas or electricity costs, while providing that authentic barbecue flavor that so many of us associate with summertime.

Unplug and Unwind

Many people have a day off work on the 4th, so allow yourself to really unplug. Give computers, printers, TVs, video game consoles, and other electronic devices a rest. Be sure to turn off power strips or unplug cords so your electronics don't consume standby energy.

Enjoy Time Outside

Hosting an outdoor July Fourth celebration saves energy compared to an indoor party. You won’t have to blast the air conditioning and your guests can enjoy the benefits of a cool breeze.

If the party will extend into the nighttime, choose ENERGY STAR® certified outdoor LED flood lights. LEDs work well indoors and outdoors because of their durability and performance. You’ll enjoy high quality light while saving energy and money.

Stay Cool

If the party moves inside and your home feels stuffy, consider using ceiling fans to cool off. Remember that ceiling fans cool you, not the room. When you leave the area, make sure to turn off the fan. If air conditioning is required, try keeping the temperature in your home around 78 to 80 degrees. For every degree below 78, electricity usage increases by 3%.