Energy Saving Tips for Christmas

The twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces, and festive air of London come alive during Christmas. But as beautiful as the season is, it’s also a time of high energy usage. From heating our homes to powering up holiday displays, energy consumption spikes significantly, pushing both electricity bills and carbon footprints higher than usual.

In this blog, we’ll explain why saving energy in winter is so important—especially in a busy city like London. Plus, we’ll share some easy, practical energy saving ideas for home to help you save electricity this Christmas and beyond. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, lower your impact on the planet, or both, these ideas will help you celebrate the season sustainably while keeping your budget happy too!

Why Energy Saving is Important, Especially in London?

London's Winter Energy Usage
London winters are known for their chilly weather, and that means cranking up the heating and using more electricity. In fact, the National Grid ESO says heating alone makes up about 40% of winter energy bills—and it gets even higher around Christmas. Add in all those festive lights and extra kitchen gadgets, and energy use really starts to climb.

The Financial and Environmental Impacts
Using too much energy doesn’t just drive up your bills, but it also adds to greenhouse gas emissions. For Londoners already dealing with high living costs, cutting back on energy use can help save money on energy bills and support the city’s push to go zero-carbon by 2030. Reducing energy is both a personal win and a step towards a greener London.

Understanding Your Energy Bill

Before you get into energy saving tips, it’s helpful to know where your money is going. Most energy bills can be broken down into a few main categories, which can change depending on the season and your household habits:

• Heating and Hot Water (50–70%): This usually takes up the biggest chunk of your bill, especially in the colder months when the heat is cranked up. Water heaters also run year-round, so warm showers, clean dishes, and laundry all add to the cost.
• Lighting (~10%): From ceiling lights to table lamps, lighting can use a good amount of energy—especially if your home still uses older bulbs instead of energy-efficient LEDs.
• Appliances (10–20%): This includes everyday essentials like your fridge, washing machine, and oven. Around the holidays, energy use can jump up even more with all the extra cooking and baking.
• Electronics (~10%): Things like TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles may not seem like major energy users, but over time, they can add up. Leaving them on standby or plugged in when not in use only increases the cost.

A Few Practical Energy Saving Tips for Winter

Now that you’ve got a handle on your energy use, here are some easy, practical energy saving ideas for home to help you save money on energy bills without losing out on the festive fun!

Heating Your Home the Efficient Way

London winters can be freezing, but keeping your home warm doesn’t have to mean sky-high heating bills. Try these simple energy saving tips for winter to stay cosy without breaking the bank:

Use Thermostats Smartly:

This ideal thermostat temperature can save energy and cut heating costs. Also, smart and programmable thermostats will give you much better results using automatic adjustments, so if you do not have one, the best energy-conscious solution is to look for one this Christmas.

Stop in-house Drafts:

Those charming older London homes can be a bit drafty. Use draft excluders for doors and windows (even a rolled-up towel works!) to keep the heat inside where it belongs. For proper draft proofing, don’t hesitate to call professionals.

Bleed Your Radiators:

Got radiators that aren’t warming up properly? They might need bleeding to release the trapped air. It’s a quick fix that makes a big difference! Not sure how? Give Serviceteam a shout – we’re happy to help.

Add an Extra Layer of Clothing:

Adding an extra layer of clothes means you can lower the thermostat a notch without feeling cold—and it’s definitely the cosiest way to save on energy.

Use Hot Water Wisely:

When using the shower during the winter, take shorter showers. This will save hot water and the energy needed to heat it up. Also, before you face the full might of the holiday season, make sure to check and see if your boiler and fixtures are in good condition.

Check Up on Your Boiler:

Your boiler is the backbone of heating in your home. So, make sure that your boiler is running well. If not, look for boiler repair or upgrades before the Christmas rush reaches its highest point.

Looking for a professional gas heating engineer for repairs and upgrades? Click below to book your engineer today!

Lighting Up the Festive Season Smartly

Christmas lights are a holiday must-have, but they don’t have to send your energy bill through the roof. Here are some energy saving tips on how to light up your home without lighting up your electricity bill.

• Use More LEDs for Decorations and Lighting: Switch to LED Christmas lights for decorations and lighting!
  LED lights use up to 90% less energy than those old-school incandescent bulbs and last way longer.
  Plus, a lot of LEDs come with fun features like timers and cool lighting effects to make your holidays extra festive. So if you are still using any incandescent bulbs, now’s the time to switch. You can also use timers and smart plugs to further reduce the energy waste during this Christmas.
• LED Candles Are Great for a Charm and Safe Vibe: Want to learn an energy saving tip to add a cosy vibe? Bring in some candles!
  Go for battery-powered LED candles for that warm glow without the worry of an open flame.
  They’re perfect for busy spaces or homes with kids.
• Focus on Strategic Lighting: Less can be more when it comes to holiday lights. Highlight key spots like your Christmas tree, mantel, or front door instead of covering every inch in lights. It’ll look stunning and save you time and energy!

Cooking Up a Christmas Feast Without the Energy Waste

Christmas dinner is the heart of the celebrations, but it doesn’t have to leave you with a massive energy bill. Here are some easy energy saving tips and ways to reduce energy consumption while still cooking up a feast:

• Use Your Oven And Kitchen Appliances Wisely: Cook multiple dishes at once to make the most of your oven space. And here’s a simple trick. Turn the oven off a little early and let the leftover heat finish off your food. Also, microwaves and slow cookers are super energy-efficient. An energy saving tip is to use them for things like reheating leftovers, steaming veggies, or slow-cooking those festive recipes.
• Always Use Lids: Pop lids on your pots and pans to trap the heat. Your food will cook faster, and you’ll use less energy. A simple yet effective energy saving tip!
• Use Hobs Smartly: Match your pan size to the hob. Using a small pan on a big ring wastes energy, so make sure they’re a perfect fit for efficient heat.
• Make Sure Your Kitchen Appliances are Functioning Well: All appliances like microwaves, ovens, cookers, hobs, vents, refrigerators, and dishwashers can degrade over time. So make sure all your appliances are up to standards and do kitchen appliance repairs or upgrades if necessary.

Need a professional appliance repair service before Christmas? Give us a call or book our engineers online today!

Entertainment, Gadgets, and Electronics: Enjoy Responsibly

From festive movies to holiday playlists, entertainment is a big part of Christmas fun. Here’s how to enjoy it responsibly:

• Power Down TV & Console After Using: Turning off your devices completely when you’re not using them, like TVs, consoles, and speakers can make a big difference. Even on standby, they still use energy, so flipping that switch saves electricity and adds up over time.
• Turn Down the Brightness: Lowering the screen brightness on your TV, laptop, or other devices is a simple energy saving tip that barely changes the experience but helps cut back on energy use.
• Play Game Smarter: Gaming is a holiday favourite, but it’s best to keep sessions short and always shut down consoles fully instead of leaving them on standby. It saves energy and keeps your gear in good shape for longer.
• Do the Proper Checkups to Be Safe: Christmas is the perfect time for family get-togethers and carefree celebrations. With all the electrical appliances running and kids dashing around the house, it’s a good idea to stay on the safe side.

After the Winter Season: Maintaining Energy-Saving Practices

Sustainability doesn’t have to stop when Christmas is over! Here are some simple energy saving tips to keep those good habits going:

• Give Your Tree a Second Life: Don’t just toss your tree out! Check with your local council for recycling options—many areas have drop-off points or special collection days. It’s an easy way to keep your tree out of landfills and give it a new purpose.
• Smart Storage for Next Year: Take a little time to pack away your decorations neatly so they’re in great shape for next year. It is a energy saving tip that will help you save money by not having to replace broken ones and cut down on waste too.
• Post-Christmas Energy Check: Why not take a quick look at your energy usage over the holidays? Check your meter or account to see how much you used and spot areas where you could be more efficient in the new year. Small changes can make a big difference!

Even if you follow just a few of these energy saving ideas for home, you’ll save money on energy bills and still keep all the festive vibes alive.

Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption in the Long Term

Christmas may kick off the colder months, but it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about ways to save electricity at home. With a few changes and energy saving tips, you can lower your energy bills and make your home more sustainable all year round.

Try Smart Home Tech

Smart devices like thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and lighting systems make managing your energy use so much easier.

Upgrade Your Insulation

Good insulation is one of the easiest ways to keep your home cosy in winter and cool in summer with energy efficiency in mind. A good energy saving tip is to add or upgrade loft and wall insulation to help reduce heat loss so your home stays comfortable without overworking your heating or cooling system.

Replace That Old Boiler

Got an old boiler hanging around? It could be costing you more than you realize. Installing a new boiler with modern, energy-efficient features can help save money on energy bills and make your heating system way more reliable.

Go Solar

Solar panels are a fantastic long term energy saving tip. The upfront costs can be steep, but they’ll eventually pay off by lowering your electricity bills. Plus, many governments and local councils offer rebates or incentives to help with the cost.

Got Any Issues? Serviceteam Can Help

A sustainable Christmas doesn’t have to mean giving up the fun! With just a few simple energy saving tips for winter, you can find ways to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and help the planet, all while keeping your home feeling festive and cosy.

Not sure where to start with making your home more energy-efficient? Don’t worry, Serviceteam’s got your back. Whether it’s quick fixes or bigger upgrades, our experts can make the whole process simple and stress-free.

Get in touch with us today and get tailored advice for your home to start your journey to a greener, more efficient winter.

And hey, if you found these energy saving tips in winter helpful, share them with your family and friends.

Let’s spread the festive, energy-saving vibes around!

For more information read our blog on ‘energy saving tips’.

FAQs

What are the best energy-saving decorations for Christmas?

Go for non-electric decorations like natural wreaths, pinecones, and ornaments—they’re simple and charming. Swap traditional candles for LED ones to get that cozy festive glow without running up your energy bill. Mixing classic decorations with energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to keep the magic alive while saving some cash!

Are there energy-efficient gift options for Christmas?

Yes! Consider gifts like LED lamps, smart plugs, or eco-friendly gadgets. Rechargeable batteries or solar-powered devices are also thoughtful and sustainable choices. They’re super practical and help save electricity in the long run.

Should I turn off my heating when travelling during Christmas?

No, it’s better to lower your thermostat to a frost-protection setting (around 12–15°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. Unplug any appliances you don’t need while you’re away. It’s an easy energy saving tip to saving electricity in winter and keep your home safe.

How can I involve my family in energy-saving habits during Christmas?

Make it fun! Challenge your family to decorate using only non-electric items, start a fun “energy-saving jar” with rewards, or set up light timers together. Working as a team makes it more fun and helps everyone stay mindful about saving energy in winter.