Tips for saving energy, staying safe, and more this holiday season

This time of year decorating can be a hassle. But with a little planning, you can create a beautiful display that won’t have you saying, “bah humbug,” when the energy bill arrives. Here are five tips for saving energy: Look for LED holiday bulbs. The average holiday light uses 5 to 7 watts per bulb; some older strings use up to 10 watts per bulb. The new LED lights use less than half a watt per bulb. They’re also shatterproof, water resistant and safe to touch. Don’t like the look of LEDs? Downsize to miniature lights. They use up to 70 percent less energy and last much longer than larger bulbs. Admit it: You’ll never remember to turn the lights off — automatic timers (both indoors and out) will reduce costs. A lot of cooking adds to energy costs. It’s fun to peek at the pies as they cook, but the temperature inside your oven drops as much as 25 degrees every time you open the door. Use the oven light instead. A load of dishes cleaned in a dishwasher requires 37 percent less water than washing dishes by hand, especially the energy-saving cycles. Dishwashers with air power or overnight dry settings can take as much as 10 percent off dish-washing energy costs. Here are five tips for staying safe during the holidays: Use only outdoor lights in your yard; check the package label. Stay off the roof! Not only do you risk sliding off, you can also cause damage, leading to leaks. Look on the box to find out how many strands you can put together. Ignoring that limit can cause a fire. Make sure your lights are safety certified. Look for “Underwriters Laboratories Approved” or “UL Listed” on the label. Test your lights before you hang them. Before plugging them in, look for cracked or loose sockets and connections, exposed wires, and frayed, broken or scorched insulation. Put them on a nonflammable surface and plug them in for 10 to 15 minutes, checking for melting, smoking or overheating. Holiday trees are expensive. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, as many as 35 million families will buy live Christmas trees this year. Five tips for making sure your tree will last: Slam the cut tree down on the ground stump before you buy it. If a lot of needles fall off, it’s a dud. Cut at least an inch off the trunk just before you put it in the tree stand. This will help the tree absorb water. Leave the tree outside until you’re ready to decorate it. Inside air is generally dryer and will suck moisture out of your tree. Your tree stand should hold at least a gallon of water. A 6-foot tree goes through a gallon every two days, so anything less won’t cut it. Water your tree every day, and add a commercial preservative. Three ways to avoid mess and reduce hassle: “Gift-wrap” your holiday tree. Buy a disposable plastic drop cloth and cut a small hole in the middle. Push the trunk through the hole before you put the tree in the stand. Cut a small slit to add water when you need to, and fold the extra plastic under the tree skirt. When the holidays are over, unfold the plastic and bring all four corners up to the treetop. Now it’s all wrapped up and won’t drop needles all over your house. Bag your lights. Lower each strand into a numbered plastic bag as you take it down, avoiding snarls and using the next year to replicate your display. Stapling or nailing lights to the house can cut into wires, which poses a safety hazard. Use hangers instead. Lights will also be easier to hang and take down. Don’t waste money buying stuff you already have; three tips for storage: Use boxes with lids. There are boxes specifically made for storing ornaments or raid the liquor store for boxes used to ship bottles or glasses. Use old newspapers to cushion fragile ornaments. Use a tree storage bag for artificial trees, making sure it stays nice. (No, that dust does NOT look like snow.)