This Easter, we're hiding something a little different in the basket — energy savings! Just like a good Easter egg hunt, finding ways to cut down on energy use around the holiday takes a little searching, but the rewards are worth it. Whether you're hosting a big family brunch, firing up the grill for an outdoor cookout, or managing a houseful of guests for the long weekend, your home's energy systems are working harder than you might think.

At UGI Energy Services, we've done the hunting for you. Here are six energy savings 'eggs' to find this Easter weekend — each one a simple tip to keep your home festive, comfortable, and efficient.

Egg #1: Cook Smart with Natural Gas

The Easter feast is the centerpiece of the weekend, and the kitchen is where most of your energy goes. If your home is equipped with a natural gas range or oven, you're already ahead — natural gas heats faster, gives you more precise temperature control, and is typically more cost-efficient than electric cooking.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your cooking setup:

• Use the right-sized burner for your pot or pan. Oversized burners waste heat and energy.
• Keep oven doors closed as much as possible. Every time you peek, the oven temperature can drop significantly, causing it to work harder to reheat.
• Take advantage of residual heat. Natural gas ovens retain warmth after they're turned off — turn the oven off a few minutes before your dish is done and let the remaining heat finish the job.
• Use lids on pots whenever possible. Covered pots boil faster and use less energy.
• Batch cook when you can. If you're making multiple dishes, plan your oven schedule to keep it in continuous use rather than heating and reheating.

Egg #2: Manage Thermostat Settings for a Full House

A house full of family and friends generates a surprising amount of body heat. What felt like a comfortable 70°F for two people can quickly feel warm with 10 or 15 guests. Before your guests arrive, consider lowering your thermostat by a few degrees — you'll likely find the house stays comfortable naturally.

A few thermostat tips for Easter weekend hosting:

• Set your thermostat 2-3 degrees lower than normal before guests arrive to compensate for the added body heat.
• If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, adjust the schedule around your event — no need to heat an empty house before or after the gathering.
• Use ceiling fans on a low setting to keep air circulating evenly throughout your home.
• Open windows during cooler parts of the day to let spring air naturally regulate indoor temperatures.

Egg #3: Spring Energy Transition — Heating to Cooling

Easter falls right in that transition window between heating season and cooling season — a great time to review your energy setup before summer arrives. A few simple steps now can set you up for a more efficient warm season ahead.

• Schedule a spring HVAC tune-up. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and can extend the life of your equipment.
• Replace your air filter. A clogged filter makes your HVAC work harder and can reduce indoor air quality.
• Check window seals and weather stripping. Small gaps let warm air in and cool air out — a simple fix that pays off all season.
• Check your water heater temperature. Many households don't need water heaters set above 120°F, and dropping the setting slightly can trim your energy costs.

Egg #4: Outdoor Gatherings — Grilling the Efficient Way

Many Easter celebrations spill outside — especially when the spring weather cooperates. If you're firing up the grill, natural gas and propane options burn cleaner and heat more efficiently than charcoal. They're also faster to start and easier to control.

If you're using an outdoor gas grill this Easter:

• Preheat only as long as needed — most gas grills are ready in 10-15 minutes.
• Keep the lid closed while cooking to retain heat and reduce cooking time.
• Check hose connections for leaks before each use — a quick and important safety habit.
• Turn off burners as soon as you're done. Leaving them running even briefly wastes fuel unnecessarily.

Egg #5: Lighting Up the Easter Weekend

From decorating the house with pastel lights to keeping the backyard lit during evening gatherings, lighting is a small but easy place to find savings.

• Switch to LED bulbs if you haven't already — they use significantly less electricity and last far longer than traditional incandescent options.
• Use smart plugs or timers on decorative lights so they're not running all night.
• Take advantage of natural spring daylight. Plan your daytime events to make the most of the longer, brighter days.
• Turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used, even during a party — it's easy to leave every room lit when guests are spread throughout the house.

Egg #6: Dishwashing and Cleanup — Hidden Energy Costs

After a big Easter meal comes the cleanup — and that means a lot of hot water. Here's how to keep the post-feast energy use in check:

• Run your dishwasher only when it's fully loaded. A half-empty dishwasher uses the same water and energy as a full one.
• Use the air-dry setting instead of heated drying — it's gentler on dishes and cuts electric use.
• If hand-washing, fill one basin with soapy water and one with rinse water instead of running the tap continuously.
• Natural gas water heaters recover faster, so if you have a busy household post-meal, hot water will be back quickly.

You Found Them All — Happy Easter from UGI Energy Services!

Six eggs found, six ways to save. However you celebrate this spring, we hope your home is comfortable, your table is full, and your energy bills stay manageable. UGI Energy Services is proud to power homes and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. with reliable, affordable natural gas, electricity, and more.