Forget dinner-and-a-movie. This Valentine’s Day (or any day, really), try some of these date ideas that have zero energy cost — and a whole lot of heart.
Not only will you and your date have fun mixing things up and trying something new. You’ll also enjoy a simple, affordable way to spend time together — which we think is pretty romantic.
Have a zero-energy-cost indoor picnic
Leave the oven, stove and slow cooker (and corresponding electricity cost) for another day. A simple picnic meal of sandwiches, fruit, veggies and other non-heated snacks can easily be prepared together on the fly.
Bonus: A picnic can also end up being a healthier option than a restaurant meal made with excessive salt and oil.
Dine by candlelight and forget energy rates
There’s nothing simpler, more romantic or energy-cost-free than dining by candlelight. It’s calming, lets you focus on each other, and is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. Not to mention the energy savings. Light a few candles, turn off the other lights (and screens) and let the conversation flow.
You might enjoy dinner by candlelight so much that you decide to make it a nightly habit. And that could have a positive effect on your average electric bill.
Converse by a fire, not under overhead lighting
After dining by candlelight, keep the date going in front of a warm, crackling fire. You can leave all the other lamps and lights off, which helps keep your electricity prices in check.
Spending time near a fire actually has health benefits, too. A study by the Department of Anthropology at the University of Alabama found that sitting around a fire can lower blood pressure. And nothing says love like putting your date’s health and wellbeing first!
Snuggle up and turn the thermostat (and energy cost) down
Instead of using modern methods to keep warm, try a more primitive approach. If the mood is right, turn the thermostat down and snuggle up together under a blanket. The physical closeness may bring about natural banter. It will also help you keep your energy prices down — but your date doesn’t have to know that!
Spend screen-free, no-energy-cost time together
Can you spend an evening without phones, tablets or tv screens? We think you can. And we think you may even like it!
Finding other ways to spend time together and enjoy the moment might end up feeling more meaningful than taking selfies and binging on Netflix.
10 screen-free date activities
- Do a puzzle
- Dance
- Play cards or board games
- Take a walk
- Visit a museum
- Stargaze
- Play billiards, foosball or table tennis
- Visit a bookstore or library
- Paint or draw
- Talk about anything and everything
You’ll quickly see that it’s not about the activity, but the time spent together.
Finish that honey-do list together
Shout-out to all the long-term, co-habiting couples who want to keep the night more practical. Maybe you’d prefer to use date night to knock out some of those home improvement tasks together. Hey, it’s still bonding and quality time spent.
If you want to focus on minimizing your monthly energy cost, make energy efficiency fixes. These could include:
- Changing air filters
- Sealing air gaps around windows and doors
- Replacing burnt-out light bulbs with efficient LEDs
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Cleaning lint from the dryer vent
True, it’s not the most traditional or romantic date night. But if both parties are up for it, it makes for a lovely and productive evening.
Find a plan with an energy cost that fits your budget
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to bust out some creative, no-energy-cost date ideas. But for the other 364 days of the year, make sure your energy is working for you. Find electricity rates that help you keep your average electric bill down and your budget intact. Start your free search today.