Energy Saving Ahead of Christmas Lights & Decorations

Christmas is just around the corner – which means fairy lights, cosy nights and extra mince pies… but it doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills.

Busy the Bee is here to help Yorkshire homeowners keep their homes merry, bright and efficient this festive season. Here are smart, simple ways to save energy without skimping on the Christmas magic.

✨ 1. Switch to Smarter Christmas Lights

• LED lights use around 80% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs.

• Solar-powered fairy lights are a win for both the planet and your wallet.

• Use timers so your lights only shine when it’s dark, instead of running all night.

• Remember to switch them off at the plug when you head to bed.

🌡️ 2. Turn Down the Flow Temperature on Your Boiler

A quick, simple adjustment can make a big difference.

• Lowering your boiler flow temperature to around 60°C (for combi boilers) can boost efficiency by around 4%.

• If you’ve got a conventional boiler with a cylinder, don’t go below 65°C to stay safe from harmful bacteria.

• This tweak means less wasted energy and lower heating bills through the colder months.

🏡 3. Stop Heat Escaping Up the Chimney

Santa won’t mind, promise.

• A chimney draught excluder (around £25 online) can save up to £60 a year.

• Even capped chimneys lose heat through the stack – so a balloon or excluder works wonders.

• Just make sure to remove it before lighting a fire.

🧺 4. Get More from Your Appliances

Christmas means more washing and cooking, but it doesn’t have to mean higher bills.

• Fully load your dishwasher and washing machine each time.

• Wash clothes at 30°C where possible.

• Use the ‘eco’ setting for better energy efficiency.

🔥 5. Turn Down the Thermostat When You’re Busy

If the oven’s on and the house is full of guests, turn your thermostat down a degree.

• Just one degree lower can save around £90 a year.

• Between cooking, lights and cosy jumpers, your home will stay toasty without extra heating.

🕯️ 6. Embrace ‘Cosy’ Season

• Layer up with jumpers, blankets and hot chocolate.

• Use LED candles for atmosphere instead of keeping all the lights on.

• Switch screens off and get the board games out for extra warm vibes.

🍗 7. Cook Clever

• Use an air fryer, slow cooker or microwave where you can.

• Keep lids on pans to save around 10% energy and speed up cooking.

• Resist opening the oven door to “check” the turkey — use the glass instead.

🌬️ 8. Small Wins Add Up

• Let leftovers cool fully before freezing so your freezer doesn’t work overtime.

• Invest in rechargeable batteries for toys and decorations.

• Switch devices off at the plug, not just standby.

💸 9. Take Advantage of Grants & Cashback

Energy saving doesn’t stop at Christmas lights.

• Homeowners in Yorkshire can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 toward a heat pump.

• Some mortgage lenders offer cashback for greener homes.

• Busy Energy can help with the admin, making it easy to access.

  
  

Energy saving doesn’t have to mean switching off the sparkle. A few smart tweaks will keep your home warm, your bills low and your fairy lights glowing all season long.

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📧 Email: hello@busyenergy.co.uk

📞 Call: 01977 332479