The holiday season is upon us and this means a lot of preparations around the house that will add up to your power bill at the end of the festivities.

But don’t fret! There are simple ways on how to regulate your power usage without sacrificing too much.

1. Switch off appliances

When you turn off your TV and leave it on standby mode, it is still using electricity. It is the same for your computer and other electronic appliances. To completely stop electronic equipment for sucking in power, unplug the item and just plug it back in when you need it.

2. Wash smarter

Did you know that when you wash your clothes in cold water, it is equivalent to an instant $100 savings per year for you? Another tip to save a couple of bucks from washing is to wait until you have a full load than running the washing machine with just a couple of items per round. You can also cut back more if you lower your dryer use and switch to a clothesline instead.

3. Close the gaps

Do your doors and windows close properly? You’ll be amazed how much heating or air conditioning can escape through a drafty door or a window that won’t close fully. Make sure that the gaps in your home are blocked to maximize your HVAC and same some dollars in the process.

4.  Use your dishwasher

This might sound counterintuitive, but if you use your dishwasher with it full, you are actually minimizing electricity and water by washing by hand. Plus, the time standing by the sink can be spent on something else productively.

What are you best tips in saving electricity this holiday season? Let us know in the comments.