Donal Hickey: How to save on energy bills over the Christmas period
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While it most definitely is Christmas now it does seems to have started earlier year-on-year, with festive lighting on streets, in shops and homes being switched on several weeks in advance of December 25.
So, can savings be made on energy bills which might cost the average household more than €200, according to estimates?
With visitors and returning family members, there are more energy demands with all kinds of lights on for longer periods, extended cooking times, more heating, showers, and general electricity usage.
For starters, Electric Ireland advises a switch to more energy-efficient LED lighting. These bulbs can last five times longer than the standard bulb and use only a fraction of the electricity.
So-called smart gadgets can also be used, such as a remote control socket which allows you to switch off all devices hooked up to a particular power point. These gadgets can prevent television sets, DVD players and game consoles from sucking up energy in standby mode.
Many people like outdoor lighting in their gardens for Christmas, so solar lights, which take in zero-cost energy, even through clouds, are a no-brainer.
Cooking is another area where savings can be made. In the consumer advice website, bonkers.ie, Daragh Cassidy says hob rings and ovens could be turned off when food is nearly cooked, using the built-up heat to finish the cooking process. And if you've cooked extra food on Christmas Day then that saves energy the following day!
Smart devices allow you to remotely control your home's heating and lighting via mobile phone, or any internet-connected device. This means you’ve more control which allows for convenience and savings on energy bills.
“For example, if you’re out in town getting merry with friends over the festive season and decide to stay on for an extra drink, you can easily set your heating to come on later for you so that you're not wasting money heating an empty home," Cassidy notes.
Then there are things people can do which should be obvious, though not always the case. For instance, don’t put the Christmas tree in front of a radiator, or other heat sources. That would only block the heat from circulating around a room and you’ll end up with a warm tree which only dries out.
Another tip is to think about what rooms need to be heated and close doors in rooms not in use to conserve heat. There may be no point even trying to heat a conservatory during the colder months if it's not in much use. It may be just better to lock the room shut.
Finally, many people seem to opt for candles over lamps or the 'big light' in their living rooms — it's more atmospheric and also saves on bills.