Top Tips from an Electrician in Mississauga to Save Big on Your Energy Bills This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, meaning it is a time of joy, family and lots of celebration- but if you have forgotten, let us remind you it’s also a time when your electricity bill increases dramatically. From lighting up the house with festive decorations to running extra appliances, the holiday excitement can lead to a heavy electricity bill.

But don’t worry- there are simple, easy ways to save money without holding up with the holiday fun. Here are some expert tips from a trusted professional in Mississauga that can help you save big on your energy bill this Christmas.

1. Switch to LED Lights for Holiday Decoration

One of the easiest ways to cut down on your holiday electricity costs is to replace your traditional energy consuming lights for LED lights. And if you ask why? Its because

• LED lights use less energy—up to 75% less—than regular holiday lights, and they last much longer.
• Also, they produce less heat, which can help to keep your home cooler.

Pro Tip: Make sure you turn off the lights when you go to bed or leave the house. If you are someone forgetful, consider using timers. It can automatically switch them off at the right time.

2. Use Smart Power Strips

During the holiday season, you may have multiple items plugged in, like lights, heaters and kitchen appliances. Using smart power strips are highly recommended by Mississauga electrician as it can help save energy by cutting off power to electronics that still use energy even when they’re not in use (called “phantom power”)

• How they work: A smart power strip automatically cuts off power to devices that are not in use—like TVs, phone chargers, or holiday decorations—saving energy and lowering your bill.

Pro Tip: Plug in all your holiday lights and electronics into a single smart power strip, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to turn something off.

3. Use Timers for Outdoor Decorations

If you are someone who love decorating the outside of your house with lights, then the key to saving energy is timing. Outdoor holiday lights use huge amount of energy if they stay on all night.

• How to save: Many electricians in Mississauga suggest using timers to automatically turn your outdoor lights on at dusk and off at a set time, like midnight. This way, your lights will only be on for a few hours each night, reducing your energy use.

Pro Tip: If you live in a cold area like Mississauga, don’t forget that the shorter daylight hours mean your lights will need to be on earlier. So, set your timers accordingly.

4. Seal Windows and Doors to Keep Heat In

During the winter, it’s easy to lose heat through cracks around windows and doors, which makes your heating system work harder—and use more energy.

• If you ask why it matters: Its because keeping your home warm without letting the cold air inside means your heater won’t have to run as much, which will eventually save you money.

Pro Tip: Use weather stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors. You can also put up draft stoppers to block cold air at the bottom of doors.

5. Unplug Holiday Appliances When Not in Use

Unplug the appliances like portable heater, kitchen appliances (blenders or slow cookers), gaming consoles etc. when not in use, as these items can use a lot of energy if left plugged in when you’re not using them.

• Why? Sometimes, most devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off. Unplugging them when you’re done can save a significant amount of energy.

Pro Tip: You can make a habit to unplug holiday appliances and gadgets as soon as you’re finished using them. If unplugging everything seems like too much work, a smart can help you control them remotely.

6. Use Ceiling Fans to Help Heat Circulate

It may seem illogical, but running your ceiling fan in the winter can actually help you save energy. Here’s how:

• Why it works: Hot air rises, so the warm air near the ceiling can get trapped up high. By switching your ceiling fan, when it rotates clockwise, it pushes the warm air back down into the room, which makes your space feel warmer and reduces the need to turn up the heat.

Pro Tip: Make sure your fan is set to low speed and rotating clockwise for maximum efficiency.

7. Cook Efficiently During Holiday Meals

When we think of holiday meal, there’s loads of things to be done and it often involves using oven, stove and microwave. You can save energy by cooking in a way that reduces the overall time these appliances are on.

• Why? Because using the oven and stove for long periods increases your electricity consumption, especially when you open the oven door to check on food.

Pro Tip: You can consider using a microwave or slow cooker for some dishes, as these appliances use  much less energy. Also, if you need to use the oven, try cooking multiple dishes at once to save time and energy.

8. Maintain Your Heating System

If your furnace or heating system is old or not well-maintained, it will have to work harder to heat your home, which can drive up your energy bills.

• Why it’s important: It is important to regularly maintain your appliance, like changing filters and having your system checked by a professional electrician in Mississauga, to ensure it runs efficiently.

Pro Tip: If possible schedule an annual furnace inspection with a professional to make sure everything is in working order, so your system doesn’t waste energy.

Conclusion

The holiday season should be a time to enjoy your home and family, and not to worry about increased electricity bill. By making small changes like switching to LED lights, using times and unplugging unused appliances, you can cut down on and keep your home safe, festive, and energy-efficient.

By following these simple tips from a professional electrician in Mississauga, you’ll also feel good knowing you’re making smart choices for both your wallet and the environment. You can cut down on energy waste and start the New Year with a little extra cash in your pocket. Happy holidays, and stay energy-smart.