How to Save on Your Electric Bill Over Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, filled with festive lights, warm gatherings, and decorations that brighten our homes and spirits. However, the holiday season can also lead to a significant increase in energy consumption, and for those in the UK, this can result in higher electric bills during December and into the new year. With rising energy costs being a concern for many households, it is important to take proactive steps to reduce the worry while still enjoying the festive atmosphere.

As electricians, there are many ways we can advise and help you to lower your energy bills in the long run with the installation of energy efficient measures such as Sensor and LED Lighting, Smart Home Automation including upgraded Wi-Fi enabled appliances and electrical radiator/heating systems. You’d be surprised how even making sure your overall electrical wiring is up to scratch and fault-free so other elements are not overcompensating and skyrocketing your consumption.

Along with what we can do for you, here are some practical tips you can implement right now to help save on your electric bill this Christmas, without sacrificing holiday cheer:

1. Switch to LED Christmas Lights

Traditional incandescent Christmas lights, while nostalgic, are far less energy-efficient than modern alternatives. Switching to LED (light-emitting diode) lights can significantly reduce electricity consumption. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they also last much longer, making them a more cost-effective option in the long term. Whether you are decorating your tree, the exterior of your home, or your living space, using LED lights is a simple and effective way to cut down on energy usage. In the UK, energy companies often recommend this switch, as it can lead to substantial savings, particularly if you have elaborate displays.

2. Use Timers and Smart Plugs

Leaving Christmas lights on all day and night is a common cause of higher electricity bills. One easy solution is to install timers or smart plugs that automatically turn your lights on and off at specific times. For instance, you can set your lights to come on just after sunset and switch off around bedtime, ensuring they aren’t running unnecessarily through the night. Smart plugs can also be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, giving you the flexibility to manage your lights even when you’re not home.

Timers are particularly useful for outdoor lights, which often run for longer periods. By ensuring that your lights are only on during key hours of the evening, you can reduce the time they are consuming electricity and prevent unnecessary costs.

3. Monitor Heating Usage

The festive period often involves more time spent indoors with family, which can lead to increased heating use. In the UK, heating costs make up a significant portion of the household energy bill. To save money on heating during Christmas, it is important to use your thermostat efficiently. Lower the temperature slightly—by just 1°C—and you can save as much as 10% on your heating bill according to the UK’s Energy Saving Trust. You can also reduce heating in rooms that are not in use or ensure doors and windows are properly sealed to avoid draughts.

Consider investing in a smart thermostat, which allows you to control your home’s temperature more accurately. With a smart thermostat, you can program your heating to come on only when needed, or even adjust it while you’re away. For example, if you are travelling for Christmas, there’s no need to keep your home fully heated, but you can ensure it’s comfortable when you return.

4. Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use

It is easy to overlook small ways in which energy is wasted over the holidays. The Christmas season often involves additional cooking, baking, and guests, which means more use of kitchen appliances, entertainment systems, and other electrical devices. Standby power—the energy that appliances consume even when not in use—can add up over time. Make it a habit to turn off devices like TVs, game consoles, and computers when they are not in use, rather than leaving them on standby. Unplugging these appliances or using power strips with off switches can further help reduce this hidden energy cost.

5. Be Smart About Cooking

Holiday feasts are often the highlight of Christmas celebrations, but all that cooking can increase your electricity bill. To save energy, try to make the most of your oven by cooking multiple dishes at the same time if possible, and avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this lets out heat and forces the oven to work harder. Slow cookers, microwaves, and air fryers are also more energy-efficient alternatives for smaller meals, using less power than traditional ovens.

6. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Tariffs

If your energy provider offers off-peak tariffs, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, you can save by running energy-intensive appliances during the cheaper periods. Off-peak electricity rates tend to be lower late at night or early in the morning, so consider scheduling activities like laundry, dishwashing, or even charging electric devices during these times. It’s worth checking with your energy provider to see if switching to an off-peak plan could help you reduce costs.

7. Encourage Energy-Saving Behaviours

Finally, fostering energy-conscious habits in your household can make a big difference. Encourage everyone to turn off lights when leaving a room, limit the time spent in the shower, and layer up with cosy blankets or festive jumpers rather than turning up the thermostat. Small actions can add up to big savings over the Christmas period, and by making energy-saving a shared responsibility, you can keep costs down without cutting back on comfort.

Mullins Electrical Services, based in Ruislip, are here to help, if you are looking to install any of these cost saving solutions for the long run, do not hesitate to contact us, call us on 07793 010 162, email us on info@mullinselectricalservices.uk, or even send us a DM on our social platforms.