DO turn down the heat when you have a house full of guests. More people means more body heat.

DO buy ENERGY STAR labeled products as holiday gifts.

DO keep seasonal throw blankets

around for houseguests to warm up without turning up the thermostat.

DO use timers on holiday lights and any other powered holiday displays.

DO turn the heat down when you’re

cooking holiday meals. The range and oven will cause the house to heat up.

DO set your programmable thermostat to 55 degrees while you are away, especially if you leave town for the holidays.

DO wait to start the dishwasher until you

have a full load of dishes after holiday meals.

DO make a New Year’s resolution to conserve energy in 2008.

DON’T leave doors and windows

open. Yes, guests may be coming in and out of the house, but find a creative way to get them in (or out) quickly – no lingering in the doorway.

DON”T forget to have your appliances serviced by a licensed contractor if you haven’t already. This will help to ensure that they are running efficiently and safely.

DON’T expect houseguests to take quick showers. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets before guests come in for the holidays to conserve water and energy.

DON’T turn up the temperature setting on your water heater to accommodate extra guests. Keep the temperature set at 120 degrees or lower.

DON’T preheat the oven when cooking holiday meals unless the recipe calls for it.

DON’T leave holiday lights on when you leave the house. This wastes energy and poses a safety risk.

DON’T wash your clothes and your houseguests’ clothes separately. Wash and dry them all together when you have a full load rather than partial loads.

DON’T leave the gas logs burning when no one is in the room.

Safety in the Kitchen

Safety tips for the holidays and beyond

Gas Up the Stove

This month's recipe features Cream Cheese Squares