It’s hard to believe that we are a few days away from Christmas! Loved ones are spending more quality time together, spirits are brighter, and colorful holiday decorations are at every turn. The temperatures may be colder, but the minds and hearts of many are anything but.
The chance to give is one of the best parts of the holidays. While items such as cool gadgets and clothing top the list of a lot of people, there are other practical – and more valuable – options that you can choose from. We’re talking about gifts that promote energy-efficiency! Not only will energy-efficient gifts help your loved one save on energy, they can also do their part in helping reduce their carbon footprint.
This year, go outside the norm and consider these energy efficient gift ideas for the holidays:
1. Smart thermostat
Did you know that the average household in the U.S. spends approximately $900 a year on cooling and heating alone? A smart thermostat has the ability to connect to the Wi-Fi and automatically adjust the temperature in a home. A lot of smart thermostats can learn your preferences and schedule, helping you save energy by adjusting the temperature automatically, based on your needs. It even lets you control it remotely with the use of a mobile device, making it a great gift that will help your loved ones save on their energy bills.
2. LED light bulbs
Gifting a few LED light bulbs can go a long way towards making your loved one’s home more energy-efficient. You will surely give the gift of savings since one Energy Star LED light bulb can help its user save more than $50 in energy costs in its lifetime. With regular use, a standard LED bulb can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, eliminating the need for a yearly replacement.
3. Solar-powered gadgets
Today, you can find solar-powered mobile phones, lights, and battery chargers. What better way to teach children about renewable energy than getting them a nice toy that is solar-powered?
4. Energy-efficient power strips
A power strip might not be the most exciting holiday gift, but it’s an effective way to keep energy vampires at bay. You can eradicate the problem of vampire power in your home if you are diligent in unplugging your devices. But with a good smart power strip, you won’t need to. A power strip can efficiently detect when a device is on standby mode, and when it does, it cuts off the power, hence, saving you energy. It can significantly lessen your energy usage, which translates to lower utility bills.
5. Sweaters or blanket
Go traditional and get your loved one a nice sweater or blanket. This way, they can lower their thermostat’s temperature by a few degrees, minimizing the amount of heat they need to stay comfortable and snug at home!
Now that a lot of people are spending most of their time at home, energy costs have skyrocketed. A good way to show that extra thoughtfulness is to choose an Energy-Star approved option. Help your loved ones save on energy year-round while giving them comfort and convenience with these energy efficient gift ideas for the holidays.
