It’s the time of year for staying home and having people over. Here are some ideas to keep everyone nice and cosy at the lowest possible cost:

	• Check whether the lighting in each room is right for the mood you want to create. Warm white CFLs give an orangey light that’s great for relaxing, while the bluish light of cool white CFLs is more like daylight and more stimulating.
	• Insulate electrical outlets on outside walls, cover drafty windows with plastic film and install weather stripping around door frames.
	• Opt for LED holiday lights to brighten up your home, indoors and out. To save even more, install a timer to turn off your outdoor lights at night, and as soon as the holiday season is over, stop using your decorative lights.
	• Install timers so lamps and decorative lights will be turned off automatically at night. If you have a pool timer, you can use it to control your outdoor lighting.
	• Install a flow regulator in your shower to save hot water and reduce the impact of extra showers taken by guests.