With Christmas just around the corner and the rise in the cost of living, many of us worried about being able to afford the basic necessities, let alone one of the most expensive times of the year. And as winter approaches, bringing with it colder days and longer nights, it can be incredibly hard to keep energy costs low. Unfortunately, many of us will need to re-evaluate how we celebrate this year.
Christmas is a joyous occasion, and in order to continue to celebrate in the way you want, you will likely have to consider some cost-effective solutions to lower upcoming electricity and heating bills. In this EZ Living Furniture blog, we discuss some of the best ways to save on energy costs this upcoming season!
Embrace "Hygge" Throughout Your Home
Hygge (pronounced hoo gah) is a Danish concept of cosiness and comfort. With electricity and energy costs rising by up to 8% this year alone, many of us will be turning to hot water bottles, thick jumpers, and plush throws – exactly what Hygge is all about. Hygge embraces simple pleasures and togetherness, and instead of turning up the thermostat, simply reach for a warm jumper, fluffy socks, and a knitted blanket.
Anything from 18-21 degrees is considered the temperature range that most people will feel comfortable in, so if you have yours set lower or are still feeling cold at 21, the solution is Hygge!
Harness Natural Heat
Just like how you would close your curtains during the day in the summer months to keep heat out, it's important to open your curtains and blinds in the morning to let heat in. You can harness natural light and heat by simply opening your curtains and inviting sunlight into your bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and more!
Consider The Air Fryer Or Microwave Over The Oven
Christmas often requires more cooking and baking. Whether you're having everyone over for a large family meal or have decided on a more intimate celebration, you won't get through Christmas without having to use cooking appliances for an extended period of time. And honestly, that can't be avoided, just like how it can't be avoided for everyday meals throughout the year. However, if you are fortunate enough to have multiple cooking appliances, then you can choose the option that will cook just the same, but at a lower cost, i.e. air fryers and microwaves. It costs less to run an air fryer and microwave than an oven. Of course, each has its own benefits; air fryers are economical for small, quick meals. Ovens are better for large batches, and microwaves are the cheapest for reheating and simple dishes.
Don't Forget Your Dryer, Washing Machine & Dishwasher
We couldn't talk about appliances without mentioning some of the other popular ones in the home, and arguably some of the most expensive. Tumble dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers. All three are incredibly useful and time-saving in the home, so the likelihood of us not using them is slim to none. However, there are ways you can continue to use these appliances and also cut costs. If you are currently running these appliances during the day, then you're making a huge mistake. Most electricity providers have peak hours, which means typically during the hours of 5pm and 7pm, you are being charged the highest rate for electricity. Unfortunately, for many of us, this is when we arrive home after a long day and need to catch up on chores and cooking dinner. Instead, where possible, hold off on using those big appliances until after 11pm, when the lower night rate would kick in. Now, we're not suggesting eating your dinner at 11pm at night, but you could potentially delay your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher to begin after 11pm, if safe to do so.
Don't Let Vampire Devices & Appliances Drain Your Pocket
Did you know that 10% of your bill could be related to vampire devices? It's true! Vampire devices and appliances are those that continue to draw power when in standby mode. The oven, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, and chargers could be the culprits draining unnecessary electricity in your home. To combat this, make sure to switch appliances off at the wall. This isn't always possible, but taking that extra second to switch them off after use could save you a lot of money on your electricity bill.
Plug-In Timers Are Worth The Investment
Speaking of delays and timers, the one sure-fire way to make sure your appliances don't run longer than they need is to invest in plug-in timers. Plug-in timers plug into the outlet, and then appliances or devices can be plugged into the timer. These inexpensive plugs allow you to schedule when they turn on or off. These can be particularly useful for Christmas time but should also be used year-round to save money on electricity.
Consider Draught Excluders
Draught excluders date all the way back to the 1850s. They are long, sausage-shaped fabric tubes filled with pellets or craft beads that are placed under any opening that could allow cold air to enter through gaps. While typically placed under a doorway, they can also be placed in any gap or under a windowsill. Relatively inexpensive, draught excluders are a must-have throughout the colder months, as they help to keep the heat inside any room that is being heated.
LED light bulbs typically use around 80% less energy than halogen bulbs. If you're still using Christmas lights from years ago, now is the time to upgrade. Switch to LED Christmas string lights and save on your electricity bill. For outside, look at solar-powered Christmas decorations. Even on the gloomiest December day, you should be able to capture enough light to power your decorations during the night.
Eco-Friendly Gifting
This might sound like an off-the-wall suggestion, but hear us out! There are many ways you can cut down on costs and still gift something really personal to your loved ones. The first area you should look to overhaul is the packaging you would typically use to wrap your gifts. Wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, gift tags, and even cards - it all adds up, and fast. Instead of spending on cards, try making your own. A handcrafted card is always going to be more appreciated than something easily bought in a shop. Gift tags can easily be made from old cards, and as an alternative to wrapping paper, you could wrap presents in cloth (reusable), use brown paper bags or colourful magazines. For ribbons and bows, use strings, cords or fabrics instead.
For the gift itself, we suggest shopping local or a voucher for somewhere they frequently shop. If shopping isn't really their thing, there's always the gift of a good time. Give an experience like a ticket to a show you know they will enjoy, or book a class or a workshop for them, preferably one they've been talking about but have never gotten around to doing.
Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but with these small changes, you can make a difference to your bills and ring in the New Year in a positive way!
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