Cooperative Living November/December 2018 - 29

Innovative decorating ideas can make your display
more dynamic and interesting, which might help you
get by with fewer lights. This could reduce energy costs
and still keep your holidays bright. Some ideas:
* Color-changing LED lights can cycle through the
colors in sequence, and can even be set to change
colors in response to music.
* A laser light projector sits on the ground or other
flat surface and projects multi-colored patterns
onto the wall of your house. Most include a timer
function and may come with a remote control and
additional features. They come in a range of prices
from $20 up to $150 or more.
* You can recreate the excitement of a laser light
show (using LED lights) by installing a smart
lighting system that creates pre-set or programmable
light shows through your smartphone or other
smart devices.
* For maximum effect with the smallest amount of
energy use, try distributing the lighting across a
broader space. In the spaces between light, add
reflective ornaments and decorations to increase
the effect of the lights and add interest.
Hopefully these tips help raise your holiday spirits
without giving you the budget blues in January! 
You may be able to simplify your outdoor decorations to save energy and
still have a dramatic effect.
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on saving energy on holiday
lighting, please visit: collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
PREPARE TO
HEAT YOUR HOME
THE ENERGY-EFFICIENT WAY
FILTERS: Check and clean
furnace filters once a month, and
replace regularly.
FANS: Run ceiling fans in the
clockwise direction to help push
warm air down.
Proper installation, maintenance and
operation of your heating equipment
maximizes energy efficiency and
extends the life of your heating system.
For additional ways to help warm up
your home and save energy, try the
simple tips listed below.
SOLAR HEAT: Keep curtains and
blinds open during the day to let
sunlight in.
RADIATOR REFLECTORS: Put
heat-resistant radiator reflectors
between your external walls and
radiators.
VENTILATION: Ensure air vents
are open and keep the areas
around baseboard heaters and
radiators clear.
LANDSCAPING: Plant trees and
shrubs around your home to
deflect cold winds.
THERMOSTATS: Set your
thermostat to 68 degrees when
you are awake and at home;
lower while you are asleep or
away. Using a programmable
thermostat allows flexibility
and adds convenience, as
temperatures will automatically
return to normal before you wake
or return home.
AIR LEAKS & INSULATION: Up
to 25% of warm air is lost through
small cracks and holes! Seal air
leaks in ducts, walls, windows
and doors, and close fireplace
dampers when not in use. A home
energy auditor can help identify
air leaks and insulation needs.
MAINTENANCE: Schedule annual
equipment checkups with a
professional technician.
ee.odec.com/learning-center
co-opliving.com
November-December 2018 | Cooperative Living | 27
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Cooperative Living November/December 2018

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