As the festive season rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in the cheer and let energy costs skyrocket. Between cosy evenings at home, extravagant Christmas dinners, and all those twinkling holiday lights, the energy bills can sneak up on you.
Fortunately, there are some practical ways to keep the seasonal sparkle while saving money and energy. Here are six top tips to reduce your energy costs this winter!
1. Use a timer for your Christmas lights – and switch off devices at the plug
Christmas lights are a staple of the holiday season, creating that magical glow both inside and outside your home. But leaving lights on for hours, especially overnight, can quickly rack up your energy bill. The simple solution? Use a timer for your Christmas lights. Set your lights to turn on during peak viewing hours (like evenings) and turn them off when everyone’s asleep.
Additionally, don’t forget about phantom energy consumption! Devices left on standby mode still draw power from the plug, which adds up over time. Make it a habit to switch off devices like TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles at the socket to save energy effortlessly. It’s a small step that leads to significant savings.
2. Turn down the thermostat when cooking or hosting guests
During winter, it’s tempting to crank up the thermostat to keep your home toasty, but there are times you can comfortably turn it down without noticing the difference. For instance, when you’re cooking up a festive feast, the oven and stove generate plenty of heat. Take advantage of this by lowering the thermostat—your kitchen will stay warm from all that cooking action.
Similarly, if you’re hosting friends and family, remember that people naturally generate body heat. A house full of guests can make a space feel much warmer, so you won’t need the heating as high. Lowering the thermostat by just one or two degrees can save money on your energy bill while keeping everyone cosy.
3. Use shower timers to save on hot water
With family and friends visiting over the holidays, your bathroom is likely to get a lot more use. Long showers can quickly deplete your hot water supply and send your energy costs soaring. To keep things in check, invest in shower timers. These handy gadgets can help keep showers short and sweet, ensuring no one hogs the bathroom for too long.
Set a time limit for showers—around 4-5 minutes is ideal for saving water and energy. It’s a practical way to avoid those long queues for the bathroom while also cutting down on your energy bills. Plus, guests are more likely to stick to a quick shower when there’s a timer ticking!
4. Cook smart: Use a slow cooker or air fryer for Christmas dinner
Cooking Christmas dinner is one of the highlights of the holiday season, but it’s also one of the most energy-intensive activities. While the turkey might need to go in the oven, smaller dishes can be cooked more efficiently using devices like a slow cooker or air fryer. These appliances use far less energy than a conventional oven, and they’re great for whipping up everything from sides to desserts.
Better yet, consider opting for a vegetarian or vegan Christmas dinner. Plant-based meals tend to cook faster and require less energy overall. If you need inspiration, try this easy vegan roast potato recipe for the air fryer: Easy Vegan Air Fryer Recipes. You’ll save on energy and serve up a delicious meal that’s kinder to your wallet and the planet.
5. Use LED Christmas lights – make the switch to save
If you’re still using traditional incandescent Christmas lights, now is the time to make the switch to LEDs. LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than their older counterparts, meaning you can keep your home looking festive without the high energy costs.
Whether you’re decorating the Christmas tree, lighting up the front yard, or adding twinkling touches around the house, LEDs are a bright and budget-friendly choice. They also last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them as often—a win for your energy bill and your holiday budget.
6. Use TRVs to turn off or lower heating in empty rooms
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, chances are most of the time will be spend in a lounge or dining room, so there’s no need to waste money heating up empty areas of the house.
If you’re not familiar with Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs), they’re a great way to control heating in individual rooms. During the festive season, most of your time is likely spent in communal spaces like the living room or kitchen. There’s no need to heat up empty bedrooms or rarely used areas.
Turn down or switch off the radiators in unused rooms to save energy. If you’re hosting guests, remember that full houses heat up naturally due to body warmth. This means you can comfortably turn the thermostat down by a degree or two without anyone feeling the chill. Small changes like this can make a big difference to your energy bills!
Wrapping up…
This winter, don’t let the festivities drain your energy budget. By using timers, smart cooking methods, and energy-efficient devices, you can keep your home warm, bright, and welcoming without overspending. Whether it’s switching to LED lights or simply lowering the thermostat, these practical tips will help you save money while still enjoying the magic of the season.
Stay warm, save energy, and have a happy, cost-efficient Christmas! 🎄
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