'Tis the Season for Savings

7016309225 • December 18, 2024

Energy-Efficient Tips for a Merry Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, our homes are filled with the warmth and joy of Christmas lights, decorations, and festive gatherings. While these traditions bring comfort and cheer, they can also lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Fortunately, with a few simple strategies, you can celebrate Christmas in style while saving energy and money. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips for keeping your energy usage in check during the holiday season without sacrificing the magic of Christmas.


Deck the Halls with LED Lights:

  - LED lights are a game-changer when it comes to holiday decorating. Not only do they use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, but they also last much longer. Make the switch to LED Christmas lights to brighten your home while reducing energy consumption.


Embrace the Warm Glow of Candlelight:

  - Create a cozy and intimate atmosphere by incorporating candles into your holiday decor. Opt for soy or beeswax candles, which burn cleaner and longer than paraffin candles, and remember to extinguish them when leaving the room or going to bed.


Time Your Lights Wisely:

  - Use timers or smart plugs to control when your Christmas lights and decorations are illuminated. Set them to turn on at dusk and automatically switch off late at night to avoid wasting energy during sleeping hours.


Decorate with Natural Elements:

  - Incorporate natural elements such as evergreen branches, pinecones, and berries into your Christmas decor. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also add a touch of rustic charm to your home without consuming electricity.


Opt for Eco-Friendly Ornaments:

  - Choose environmentally friendly ornaments made from sustainable materials such as wood, glass, or recycled materials. Not only are these ornaments better for the planet, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your Christmas tree.


Reduce Heating Costs:

  - Keep heating costs in check by lowering your thermostat when hosting gatherings or cozying up with loved ones. Encourage guests to dress warmly and use throw blankets to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat.


Cook Efficiently:

  - When preparing Christmas feasts and holiday treats, use energy-efficient appliances such as slow cookers, microwaves, and toaster ovens. These appliances consume less energy than conventional ovens and can help reduce cooking times and energy costs.


Minimize Food Waste:

  - Plan your holiday meals carefully to minimize food waste and save energy. Cook only what you need, store leftovers properly, and get creative with leftover ingredients to avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store and additional energy usage.


Practice Mindful Gift Giving:

  - Consider giving gifts that promote energy conservation and sustainability, such as reusable water bottles, LED light bulbs, programmable thermostats, or solar-powered gadgets. Not only are these gifts practical, but they also encourage eco-friendly habits.


Spread Joy, Not Waste:

  - Reduce waste by using eco-friendly wrapping paper, reusable gift bags, or fabric wraps for your Christmas gifts. Encourage family and friends to recycle wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials to minimize landfill waste.


By incorporating these energy-saving tips into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy a merry and sustainable Christmas season while reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on energy bills. From decking the halls with LED lights to embracing the warmth of candlelight and practicing mindful gift giving, every small step toward energy efficiency brings us closer to a brighter, greener future. Wishing you a joyous and energy-efficient Christmas!

'Tis the Season for Savings
By 7016309225 August 18, 2025
Storm season is no joke—high winds, lightning, heavy rain, and power outages can do serious damage to your home’s electrical system. But with a little preparation and help from the pros, you can protect your home, your appliances, and your family’s safety. Here’s how to get your electrical system storm-ready: Install Whole-Home Surge Protection Lightning strikes and power fluctuations during storms can send dangerous surges through your electrical system. These spikes can damage: TVs and computers Refrigerators and HVAC systems Smart home devices 🔌 A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel adds a crucial layer of defense, reducing the risk of expensive damage. Secure and Inspect Your Outdoor Electrical Components Storms bring wind and water—two things you don’t want messing with your electrical setup. Be sure to: Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected and weather-sealed Inspect exterior wiring, conduits, and boxes for damage or wear Secure loose electrical fixtures, lights, and wiring to prevent them from becoming storm debris 💧 Water + electricity = danger. Keeping everything sealed and elevated helps prevent shorts and shock risks. Consider a Backup Generator When the power goes out, a backup generator can keep the essentials running—lights, refrigerator, medical equipment, even your Wi-Fi. There are two main types: Portable generators – good for short outages, but must be operated outside with proper ventilation. Whole-home standby generators – kick on automatically and power large portions of your home. We install stand by generators! Read this blog about investing in a standby generator. ⚠️ Generators must be installed with proper transfer switches to prevent backfeeding into the grid—a serious safety hazard. Know Your Electrical Panel Your breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. In a storm: Know how to safely shut off power if needed Ensure all breakers are clearly labeled Have the panel inspected if it’s older or frequently tripping 🛠️ A storm is not the time to discover you’ve got an outdated or undersized panel. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Before the storm season ramps up, have a licensed electrician inspect your: Panel and grounding system Surge protection setup Outdoor connections and GFCIs Backup power sources A proactive check-up can prevent dangerous surprises during severe weather. Stay Safe, Stay Powered 🌧️ Storms are unpredictable—but your electrical system doesn’t have to be. At KrisLee Electric, we help homeowners prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 📅 Book your storm prep inspection today and protect what matters most.
By 7016309225 July 17, 2025
Summer is a season of sunshine, outdoor fun, and increased energy usage. From backyard barbecues to pool parties, your electrical system works overtime this time of year. That’s why electrical safety should be a top priority as temperatures—and power demands—start to rise. Here are our Top 5 Summer Electrical Safety Tips to help keep your home safe and powered all season long: Keep Outdoor Outlets and Cords Dry Summer often means more outdoor activity—and more outdoor power use. Whether you're plugging in lights, tools, or entertainment equipment, make sure: Outlets are GFCI-protected Cords and plugs are rated for outdoor use Everything stays dry and away from puddles or sprinkler spray 🔌 Tip: Invest in weatherproof outlet covers to stay protected even when outlets are in use. Don’t Overload Circuits or Extension Cords Plugging in fans, AC units, and more devices can quickly overload a single outlet or power strip. This can cause overheating, tripped breakers, or even fires. 🔥 Tip: Spread out your electrical load, and never daisy-chain extension cords. Watch for Heat-Related Electrical Warning Signs When temps go up, so does stress on your system. Be on the lookout for: Flickering lights Warm or discolored outlets Frequent breaker trips Unusual buzzing or smells from electrical panels If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. Pool and Hot Tub Safety First Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If you have a pool, spa, or hot tub: Make sure all wiring is up to code Equipment is installed by a professional Outdoor breakers and switches are GFCI protected 💧 Tip: Schedule an annual electrical inspection for your pool or hot tub setup—especially if it’s older. Prepare for Summer Storms and Power Surges 🌩️ Summer storms can knock out power or cause damaging surges. Protect your home by: Installing whole-home surge protection Using surge protectors on sensitive electronics Having a backup generator if you live in an area prone to outages Check out our blog that explains what a power surge is and how you can prevent one in your home.
By 7016309225 June 17, 2025
Summer is here—and so are rising temps, longer days, and heavier use of electricity around the home and workplace. Whether it’s cranking up the AC, plugging in outdoor lights, or running tools and equipment for seasonal projects, June is the perfect time to make sure your electrical system is ready for the summer load. At KrisLee Electric, we want to help you stay cool, safe, and energy-efficient all season long. Here are a few things to keep in mind this month: Test and Tune Your AC System Before summer heat hits full force, make sure your air conditioner is wired properly and running on a dedicated circuit. An overloaded circuit can trip breakers—or worse, cause damage or fire hazards. Check Outdoor Outlets and Lighting Using outdoor equipment, string lights, or pool accessories? Make sure all exterior outlets are: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected Covered with weatherproof enclosures Free from wear, damage, or corrosion Don't Overload Extension Cords With more activities moving outdoors—grills, fans, lawn tools, you name it—resist the temptation to daisy-chain extension cords. They’re meant for temporary use and can become serious fire hazards when overloaded. Plan for Summer Projects the Smart Way Thinking of installing a hot tub, EV charger, or outdoor kitchen? Don’t wait until you're halfway through—involve an electrician early to ensure everything’s up to code and safely installed. Schedule an Electrical Safety Check June is a great time for a mid-year inspection—especially if your home is older or you’ve recently added appliances or technology. Need a Hand? We’re Just a Call Away! From routine maintenance to full system upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to help you power through summer—safely and efficiently. 📅 Book your June service today and beat the summer rush!
More Posts →