Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

Summer may get more attention when it comes to outdoor get-togethers but with an autumn party, you can trade the mosquitoes, thunderstorms, and hot nights for crisp evenings and changing leaves. The cooling temperatures also mean a chance to optimize your energy use, reduce your bill and save some money heading into winter.

Whether you’re gearing up to host a tailgate or a movie night under the stars, we’re laying out easy changes and energy efficient tips for outdoor fall entertaining. 

Before you set up an outdoor party, there are some quick ways to tune up your house as well. 

Adjusting the Temperature

Autumn in the West is amazing; there are brisk nights, chilly mornings and still plenty of sun to soak up. The ever-changing weather makes fall one of the best seasons, but it also makes it harder to heat or cool your home efficiently.  If your house runs on gas heating, set your thermostat as low as possible when everyone is away at school or work. 

The U.S. Department of Energy advises that adjusting your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can lead to a 10% reduction in annual heating and cooling costs for homeowners. To strike the perfect balance between comfort and savings during winter, it is recommended you set the thermostat at around 68-70 degrees while you’re awake and lower it when you go to sleep or when you’re away from home.

Note: If you have a variable speed heat pump, do not set back the temperature unless you are going to be gone more than 24 hours. Variable speed, sometimes called inverter heat pumps, are designed to run constantly. 

Check Window Seals

While you may be aware of the drafty spots in your house, an energy assessment can offer a comprehensive evaluation of air leakage. A professional can conduct a blower door test, which depressurizes your home to uncover any leaks. 

Apart from sealing doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping, you can enhance energy efficiency by installing either energy-efficient windows or interior storm windows.  You can also use tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Maintain Your Heating Systems

Use the fall as an opportunity to schedule a tune up for your furnace before the weather gets too cold. Experts suggest that you replace the furnace and heat pump filters monthly, especially if you have pets. Additionally, remove blockages to baseboard heaters or radiators to get the most out of your heating.

Energy Efficient Tips for Outdoor Fall Entertaining

When it’s time to take the party outside, start with a thorough clean up.  This process can be made more efficient by adding electric-powered outdoor tools. These handy devices can make yard work easier and cleaner by removing the need for gasoline. Electric power tools are also light and easy to maintain and store. 

Once the yard is clean, you can spruce it up with string lights. This easy decor upgrade can be used in many ways - on a porch, around a tree, gazebo, hung above an outdoor dining table, along the driveway, or in a courtyard. Opt for LED lights to reduce your power consumption and make sure you’re using string lights that are designed for ‘all-weather’ conditions. String lights not rated for outdoor use, whether LED or incandescent bulbs, can be an electrical risk.

At the party itself, avoid overloading electrical outlets to avoid a power surge. Make sure all appliances are plugged into a power strip capable of handling the load. 

Fall Entertaining Ideas  

Now it’s time to show off your newly-optimized home with some of our favorite autumn entertaining ideas. 

• Host a tailgate for your favorite team

• Have an outdoor movie night

• Carve (or paint) pumpkins

• Put on a “Fall Flavors” potluck brunch 

• Assemble a caramel apple bar

• Forgo the bonfire for an electric outdoor fire pit night

• Host your own Oktoberfest and have party goers bring their favorite local beers

• Have an outdoor game night

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About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states. Together with our member-owners, we deliver reliable, affordable responsible and flexible power and services to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information, visit www.tristate.coop.