As football season kicks off, so do weekend watch parties, backyard tailgates, and living room huddles with friends and family. However, big-screen TVs, buffet spreads, and cold weather comforts on game day can mean higher-than-average energy use.
At UGI EnergyLink, we believe that cheering on your favorite team shouldn’t mean getting sacked by high energy bills. That’s why we’re sharing easy ways to save energy during football season so that you can host at home without the extra cost.
Optimize Your Home Entertainment System
Your TV is the MVP on game day, but it can also be a major energy drain. Here’s how to enjoy every touchdown while keeping your electricity use from going out of bounds.
- Choose ENERGY STAR-certified electronics. TVs rated by ENERGY STAR use up to 34% less energy than standard models.
- Adjust your TV settings. Lowering screen brightness or switching to energy-saving mode can make a big difference over a three-hour game.
- Unplug what you’re not using. Extra speakers, gaming consoles, and streaming devices can draw power even when off. To avoid phantom loads, plug them into a power strip and turn the power strip off when not in use.
If you’re hosting outdoors, try using a portable projector, which can use less energy than a large TV and offers a fun movie-theater-style viewing experience.
Tackle Energy Waste in the Kitchen
Football season snacks are a non-negotiable, but energy waste doesn’t have to be part of the spread. Save energy during football season with these kitchen strategies:
- Cook smarter, not harder. Use slow cookers, air fryers, and toaster ovens instead of your full-size oven when possible—they use less energy and generate less heat.
- Prep ahead. Cooking in bulk and reheating can save energy versus cooking multiple dishes back-to-back during the game.
- Keep the fridge efficient. Don’t leave the refrigerator door open while setting up drinks or food. Each time it’s opened, cold air escapes, making it work harder.
With a little planning and the right tools, you can whip up a winning spread without racking up your energy bill.
Stay in the Comfort Zone
As fall brings crisp air and chilly evenings, it’s the perfect season to cozy up indoors for game day. With a few smart plays, you can keep your home cozy and energy-efficient, all season long.
- Layer up. Encourage guests to wear their favorite team hoodies, hats, and jerseys. Keep a few throw blankets nearby so everyone can stay warm without turning up the heat.
- Block out drafts. Don’t let the wrong draft pick make the cut. Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers around doors and windows to keep warm air in and the autumn chill out.
- Trust your home team to bring the heat. Extra guests naturally generate body heat. Turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees before kickoff and let the excitement (and snacks) warm things up.
By managing heat wisely, you’ll save energy during football season and score long-term savings on your bills.
Light the Party Efficiently
Your home might not have stadium lights, but those evening games can still increase your electricity use. Here’s how to keep the vibes of Friday night lights without the Friday night frights:
- Switch to LEDs. LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Use dimmers or smart bulbs. Adjust lighting based on natural daylight and consider setting bulbs to turn off automatically after a certain time.
- Highlight the highlights. Focus lighting in the viewing area only—leave the rest of the house dim or off.
- Add outdoor string lights for pre-game tailgates. Choose solar-powered or LED versions for festive flair without a spike in energy use.
Tackle Tailgating Like A Pro
Fall weather makes outdoor tailgates a game-day favorite, but if you’re not careful, your setup could be quietly draining energy. Whether you’re hosting in the backyard, driveway, or on the patio, these smart swaps can help you keep the celebration efficient:
- Use portable chargers. They can power small appliances, charge phones, and run speakers without tapping into your home grid.
- Insulate your beverages. Keep hot drinks warm and cold drinks cool without electricity. Use cozies for individual cans or insulated dispensers for crowd-pleasers like coffee, cider, or lemonade.
- Go reusable. Cut down on waste by using reusable cups, plates, and utensils that can be rinsed and stored for next time.
With the right gear, your tailgate can be just as energy efficient as it is fun, leaving more room to focus on the food, the fans, and of course, the football.
Celebrate the Season Without Sacrificing Efficiency
Everyone can save energy during football season, whether you’re a die-hard fan or if you’re just in it for the halftime show. Making smarter energy choices benefits your wallet, your guests, and the planet.
At UGI Energy Link, we’re proud to be your partner in energy efficiency, on and off the field. Ready to score energy savings? Contact us today to see how our energy solutions go the distance, on game day and every day.