With rising energy costs, Jane Halton, Home Living Expert at Chase Roof Inspections, has revealed ways UK households can enjoy festive decor without increasing their energy bills. By following these updated strategies, families can cut down on holiday costs while still achieving a bright, beautiful home for Christmas.
“Holiday decorations don’t have to be expensive or energy-draining,” says Halton. “With these smart choices, families can save up to £100 this season and still create a festive atmosphere.”
Use Timers to Limit Outdoor Displays’ Run Time
Setting lights to turn on only for key evening hours—such as from dusk until bedtime—can dramatically reduce energy usage. By limiting displays to 4-5 hours a night, homeowners can still have a beautiful exterior without an all-night light show.
- Potential Savings: Reducing the hours of illumination could save households around £20-£25.
Concentrate Lights on High-Impact Areas
Instead of covering the entire home in lights, focusing decorations on key spaces like the front entrance, main tree, and a few windows can create the same festive effect with fewer lights, resulting in significant energy savings.
- Potential Savings: Halving the number of lights in use can save an estimated £10-£15.
Opt for Fibre Optic Decorations
Fibre optic trees and decorations use a single, low-energy light source to illuminate the entire piece, making them a highly efficient alternative to traditional lighting.
- Potential Savings: A fibre optic Christmas tree, for example, could reduce holiday energy costs by £5-£10.
Use Smart Plugs for Remote Control
Smart plugs allow real-time control of holiday lights, so homeowners can turn lights off when away from home, reducing unnecessary energy use.
- Potential Savings: With better control over energy use, smart plugs can add £5-£10 to overall savings.
Lower Indoor Temperatures During Gatherings
With family and friends gathering, the additional body heat allows for a lower thermostat setting, helping to conserve energy without sacrificing warmth and comfort.
- Potential Savings: Each gathering could save around £5, with additional savings accumulating over the season.
Choose Reusable and Eco-Friendly Decorations
Reusable decorations, like sustainable wreaths and ornaments, eliminate the need for extra energy-consuming items and provide a beautiful holiday look year after year.
- Potential Savings: Choosing energy-free decor can save around £10-£20 on seasonal costs.
Estimated Total Savings: £80–£100
By implementing these tips and choosing energy-efficient options, UK families could reduce holiday energy costs by up to £100 this season. “Decorating for Christmas can be sustainable, affordable, and just as festive,” Halton concludes.
