Swipe Right on Energy Efficiency This Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day spending can add up if you’re showering that special someone, your friends or even yourself with flowers and gifts. No matter how you're celebrating, gift yourself some savings by showing energy efficiency some love, too. 

Here are some tips to make your Valentine’s Day and energy efficiency the perfect match while saving along the way.

Set the mood 

Switch out traditional lights for LEDs. They use up to 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. You can even use a dimmer or limit the number of lights you use. 

Turn off electronics 

Limit distractions by turning off the TV and other electronics. Not only will it save you energy and money, you will be able to spend more quality, uninterrupted time with your valentine. 

If you’re heading out for Valentine’s Day, make sure to unplug any electronics first. They still use energy when plugged in even if they are turned off. You can also invest in a power strip and turn everything off at once with the push of a button.  

Cook up savings at home 

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special dinner at home? Make your home-cooked meal an energy-efficient one by using smaller appliances like your microwave, crock pot or air fryer instead of the oven. Using a microwave instead of the oven or stovetop can reduce your energy used for cooking by more than 50%.  

If your meal requires the oven, be sure to turn on the oven light and look through the window if you need to check on your dish. According to the Department of Energy, every time you open the oven door the temperature inside drops by as much as 25 degrees, making the oven work harder and use more energy.   

Cozy up

Make your Valentine’s Day celebration as comfortable and cozy as possible by adjusting your ceiling fan to rotate at a low speed in the clockwise direction. This forces warm air near the ceiling down, making your space feel warmer. 

You can also invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to easily control the temperature in your home according to your plans to be home or away, resulting in energy savings. 

For more tips and resources to save energy and money all year, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy.   

CONTACT: Brooke Conlan, 330-807-7564