Efficiency Pays: Double Your Black Friday Savings
By Mitch Ross
To help reduce energy costs, shoppers can use energy-efficient products to cut bills. Buying items on sale, combined with energy savings, means you save two ways.
From LED lights to insulation, these upgrades pay for themselves over time, and Black Friday may be the perfect time to snag them at a discount. Here’s how to shop smart for savings this holiday season.
LED Lighting: Bright Savings
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescent and last 20 times longer. A single LED bulb can save $100 or more over its lifetime. On Black Friday, many retailers often slash prices on LED packs by 20-40%. Stock up on quality brands for bulbs that will last and that fit every fixture, from warm white to daylight tones, ensuring long-term savings on your electric bill. Also look for LED Christmas lights and décor to celebrate the season without bumping up the bill.
Caulk and Weatherstripping: Seal the Deal
Drafts around windows and doors can account for 10-20% of home energy loss, especially in the coming colder winter months. Caulk and weatherstripping are affordable fixes — costing as little as $5-$15 per tube or roll. Deals often include bundles or discounts on silicone caulk and foam weatherstrips. Applying these in a weekend can save up to $200 annually on heating and cooling by preventing air leaks.
Spray Foam: Expand Your Savings
Spray foam insulation, like Great Stuff or Touch ’n Seal, fills gaps in walls, attics and crawlspaces, reducing energy loss by up to 20%. A $10 spray foam can might save $50 or more yearly on energy bills. Look for specials at hardware stores, where bulk kits or multi-packs are often discounted 15-25%, making it an ideal time to tackle those hard-to-reach spots.
Insulation: Wrap Up Efficiency
Proper insulation can cut energy costs by 30% in poorly insulated homes. Fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose are cost-effective options, with savings of $200 to $500 per year. Stores may offer deals on insulation rolls or bags, sometimes with free rental of blowing machines, maximizing your investment.
This season prioritize energy-efficient products to shrink your utility bills and double your shopping savings! With sales slashing prices, you’ll save upfront and for years to come. Check circulars or websites early, compare deals and invest in a more efficient home.
Mitch Ross is the energy efficiency manager for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
