As we spend more time indoors this winter, an increase in your electricity bill is inevitable from using more light in the dark evenings to spending more time on Netflix! There are still ways to be energy efficient this Christmas and save some pounds on your bill while enjoying all your favourite things, check out our tips below for being smarter this season.
6 Ways to Cut Down Your Bills This Season
LED Lights
If you love being the brightest house on the street at Christmas, then listen up! Christmas lights can add an extra few pounds onto your electricity bill (which of course is worth it) however, make sure you’re using LED lights around your home. LED lights can save up to 75% less energy than normal lights and more efficient, durable, and longer-lasting than fluorescent incandescent lights. They also don’t overheat so you can let them shine bright without having to worry if they are safe or not!
Stay warm indoors
The chill in the air is well and truly here, and you can probably feel it sneaking its way into your home. Draught-proofing your house is a low-cost way to save energy and money this winter and will keep you warm. Block any gaps that you may find such as in windows, doors and skirting boards using something as simple as insulation tape if you’re up for a DIY job! When using home heating, try to only put it on when it’s needed, according to Energy Saving Trust, this is the best way to save money in the long run instead of leaving it on low all day.
Unplug items you aren’t using
From Christmas lights to dancing decorations, there is a lot to remember to switch off throughout your house. Make sure you are unplugging as well as switching plugs off as this saves energy too!
Board games instead of TV
Instead of watching various Christmas classics on repeat, why not bring out some traditional board games so you can give the TV a rest over the festive period? Jenga or Monopoly will get the whole family involved after a delicious dinner and provide some quality entertainment for the evening!
Washing
With students returning home for Christmas, you might have an extra load of washing to get through on top of your regular load. Don’t stress, try do all your laundry in the one day so you aren’t switching the machine on and off. Another smarter washing tip is to fill each load to its maximum capacity as the machine will use the same energy either way. When it comes to drying the clothes, make use of the times you put the heating on, fill a clothes airer in your hallway so your clothes can take full advantage of the heat evaporating or put smaller items like socks over your radiators, so they aren’t blocking too much heat.
Fill up your freezer
Your freezer is one of the most draining electrical appliances in your home and is on constantly. One way to make your freezer run more efficiently and reduce the amount of electricity needed to run it during the winter months is to pack your freezer much tighter. Start your Christmas food shop early by freezing food like meat, vegetables and of course Yorkshire puddings! Don’t jam pack your freezer as the air still needs to circulate, but a full freezer operates much better than an empty one.
Do you have any smarter living tips to have an energy efficient Christmas this year? Let us know by using the hashtag #SmarterLiving on our Facebook and Twitter pages.