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Notice: The Summer Reliability Program which installed No Cost whole house fans has been fully subscribed and can no longer accept requests to participate. You are still able to purchase whole house fans at standard pricing or participate in other programs. The IID Weatherization Program has been fully subscribed for 2023. IID thanks all of this year’s participants and encourages customers to check back here regularly for future program announcements and availability.
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Energy-Efficient Tips for Your Fourth of July Party
The Fourth of July is a time to fire up the grill, gather with friends, and celebrate freedom, but that doesn’t mean your energy bill has to sizzle, too. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or cooking for a small crowd, these tips will help you save energy (and money) while keeping the celebration fun and flavorful.
1. Set the Scene with Smarter Lighting
Host your party outdoors: Take advantage of natural daylight and evening breeze. No need for indoor lights or AC.
Use solar string lights or LED patio lights: These give you all the ambiance with a fraction of the energy compared to incandescent.
Candles or lanterns: Battery-operated solar lanterns are perfect for picnic tables and patios.
2. Eco-Friendly Party Supplies
Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery: Save energy (and waste) by avoiding single-use disposables.
Set up labeled recycling bins: Make it easy for guests to sort cans, bottles, and paper plates.
3. Turn Off High-Powered Appliances Before the Party or Event
Power down before fireworks: Use a smart power strip for your electronics, so before heading out to watch the show, switch off the smart power strip.
Turn off A/C: Make sure to turn off high-powered appliances like your air conditioner.
4. Keep Guests Cool Without Cranking the AC
Serve cold drinks and frozen treats: Popsicles, watermelon, and ice-cold lemonade help guests feel cool without the need to go inside in the air-conditioned home.
Create shaded seating areas: Use pop-up tents, umbrellas, or DIY canopies to keep guests comfortable outside.
5. Before the Party
Plan an outdoor menu: Skip the oven and stovetop. Plan to grill burgers, veggies, corn, and even fruit like pineapple or peaches.
Prep in advance: Chop ingredients and make sides the night before to keep kitchen use low during peak heat hours.
Serve non-cooked food: Serve cold or room-temp sides that don’t require cooking. These dishes keep your kitchen cool and cut down on energy use.
Fresh fruit salad
Pasta salad made the night before
Coleslaw or corn salad
Chips and guacamole
7. Grill Like a Pro—and Save Energy While You’re At It
Preheat wisely: You only need 10-15 minutes to preheat most grills. Avoid wasting gas or electricity by skipping long warmups.
Keep the lid closed: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and your grill has to work harder, costing more energy and time.
Batch your cooking: Grill multiple items in one session to reduce energy use and avoid reheating later.
8. Cook Smart
Keep the heat outside: Avoid using ovens or stovetops during the hottest parts of the day. They warm up your house and make your AC work overtime.
Use slow cookers or air fryers: If you’re cooking indoors, opt for appliances that use less electricity and generate less heat than a conventional oven.
9. Watch Fireworks, Not the Meter
Leave the energy turned off: If you’re heading out for a fireworks show, turn off unnecessary lights, fans, electronics, and the air conditioner before leaving.
Have outside entertainment: Celebrate with low-energy entertainment like lawn games, sparklers (safely!), and music played from one central speaker.
10. Cool Food, Not Your Fridge
Use coolers: Every time someone opens the fridge for a drink or snack, cool air escapes. Use coolers with ice for beverages to keep traffic outside.
Let leftovers cool before storing: Hot food raises fridge temps, forcing it to use more energy to keep everything cold.
11. After the Party Ends
Clean the grill while it's still warm: Scrub the grill while it’s still warm because food comes off easier to avoid needing hot water or dishwashing cycles.
Let dishes air dry: Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher and opt for air drying instead.
Wash full laundry loads: If washing BBQ towels, blankets, or tablecloths, make sure the washer is full and use cold water when possible.
This Fourth of July, enjoy great food without heating up your house or your energy bill. With just several small changes, you can celebrate big while keeping your impact small.
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