By RICK ANDRONICOS

United Builders Inc.

The Big Game is around the corner, and if you’re one of the over 110 million viewers estimated to tune in like me, you don’t need me to tell you just how much time, effort and money goes into preparing your home for a stampede of football fans. In fact, game day-related spending is expected to reach over $16 billion this year. How you use your electricity and gas while hosting the sporting event, however, can help you score big savings. In 2011 alone, the electricity generated by fans tuning into the Big Game was enough to power three major cities for 10 hours. With prices as high as they are, I think we could all use some tips on how to maximize our homes’ energy efficiency during Sunday’s game.

Make sure windows and doors are sealed before turning on your heater or air conditioning.

Did you know heat gain and loss through drafty windows is responsible for 25 percent to 30 percent of heating and cooling energy use, while poorly sealed doors also contribute to energy losses? Before turning on your heating and cooling systems, make sure all doors and windows are closed and properly sealed. If you notice an air leak, it could be a good time to consider upgrading your windows and doors to more energy efficient models.

Make sure the thermostat is set at a reasonable temperature.

Speaking of heating and cooling, your thermostat is a great tool you can use to make your home more energy efficient. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and then lowering it once you’re asleep or away from your home during the winter months. This will keep your house and adrenaline-fueled guests comfortable during the Big Game, while also minimizing your energy use.

Use smaller appliances.

Game day is the perfect time to bring out the crockpot and toaster ovens. Not only do they help make the best appetizers, they can also help you reduce your energy use by avoiding using your larger stove and kitchen appliances.

Use energy efficient kitchen appliances.

If using larger appliances is a must, then I highly recommend looking into energy efficient appliances. Using energy efficient appliances is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency while potentially saving on utility costs. As a GoGreen Home enrolled contractor, I recommend GoGreen Financing to clients who are looking to enhance their home with energy efficiency upgrades but are also looking for low interest rates and flexible repayment options. GoGreen Financing is a convenient way to upgrade your home to ensure you’re maximizing your energy efficiency.

Bring out the barbeque.

It’s that simple. Cut your kitchen’s electricity and gas use by using a good ol’ charcoal grill. Not only will it cook your food just as well, you also won’t have to worry about the costs associated with firing up your stove, oven or other cooking appliances.

As the owner of my own general contracting business, I’m no stranger to offering my customers advice on how to manage their energy use. I know many of us are scrambling to get our homes prepared for an action-packed weekend full of friends, food and football, so do yourself a favor and make runaway energy use one less thing to worry about ahead of the Big Game.

Rick Andronicos is the CEO and Founder of United Builders Inc., a GoGreen Home Enrolled Contractor. GoGreen Financing is an initiative in the California State Treasurer’s Office, offering Californians affordable financing options for energy-saving projects. GoGreen Financing is the public-facing platform of the California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF). The CHEEF is administered by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, a state agency housed in the State Trea