Christmas is a time when we can see our energy bills soar. With the cooling temperatures outside already leading to an increase in energy use as we try to keep our houses warm, the addition of lights, extra cooking and spending more time at home during the day than usual can increase our bills even further. All this extra energy use can cause a big increase in your bill and an even bigger increase in festive stress. So, what can you do if you’re worried about your energy consumption over Christmas?

Small ways to save energy

Many of us simply resign ourselves to the fact that come January, we’ll have eaten a little more, exercised a little less, and have a slightly bigger waistband than usual. But there’s no need to resign yourself to an expensive January energy bill. Just a few savvy savers will help keep those bills under control.

• It’s worth thinking about upgrading older set of indoor lights to LED lights, as these use less energy than traditional incandescent Christmas lights.

• LED lights also last much longer than traditional lights so although it may cost you more to replace them, in the longer term you’ll have more efficient lights that need replacing less frequently.

• If you hang Christmas lights outside your house, it’s worth thinking about investing in timers to ensure they go off at night. Some lights come with this feature built in, so if you’re upgrading soon that’s something to look out for.

• Using timers for your inside lights is also worth considering. If the inevitable happens and you fall asleep in front of some festive TV, you can sleep soundly in the knowledge your lights won’t be blazing all night!

• Think about where you position that all important Christmas tree – don’t be tempted to put it in front of a radiator, even if that’s where it will look best. You’ll prevent the radiator from heating the room efficiently and might even melt a decoration or two!

• Wrap up warm – make use of that festive jumper you bought for the office Christmas party. If you’re able to, turning your thermostat down by just one degree could cut your heating bill by 10% over the year.

• You can also turn the heating down when you’re cooking. On Christmas day when the oven is fired up and the hob is working overtime, the residual heat will keep your kitchen nice and warm.

• Don’t work your dishwasher too hard. If possible, use ECO or economy settings and make sure it’s full before you put it on.

• Before you go to bed, make sure all those new gadgets are unplugged from their chargers. Chargers consume energy even when the appliance is fully charged. Try to charge gadgets at a time that you can turn them off once they’re full (rather than overnight).

• After the big day, take some time to sort and recycle waste properly. If Santa brought your household new gadgets, find out about your local council’s approach to recycling small appliances. Anything with a battery, cable or plug can be reused or recycled.

If you’re struggling to heat your home this winter, we’re here to help

If you’re worried about keeping your house and your family healthy and warm during winter there is support available.

• Speak to one of our advisors for advice on a range of energy topics, such as simple changes you can make to save money and grants that might be available for insulation. If you’re based in Gloucestershire or South Gloucestershire, call Warm and Well for free on 0800 500 3076. If you’re Herefordshire based, call Keep Herefordshire Warm for free on 0800 677 1432.

• If you’re struggling to manage or understand your bills – especially in the face of rising prices – and are worried what this winter will hold, our Energy Advocates have your back. If you don’t know where to start and are battling with anxiety produced by your home energy, they will help you feel in control.

• In Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, our Warm and Well Energy Advocates are here to help.

• In Herefordshire, our Keep Herefordshire Warm Energy Advocates will have your back.