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As homes across the UK start putting up their Christmas decorations, we take a look at the steps you can take to ensure the joy of Christmas isn’t dampened by the shock of excessive energy bills.
George Penny, Energy Expert at The Solar Co comments:
“As households across the country begin switching on their Christmas lights, National Grid data shows that energy use typically rises by around 7.3% in the first week of December.
“At the same time, there are signs that many people are becoming less proactive at managing their bills, with recent tariff-switching data showing UK households are 39% less likely to switch energy providers in October 2025 compared with October 2020.
“Taken together, this seasonal surge in usage and growing complacency around energy costs suggests that Christmas-related energy bills could end up hitting households even harder this year.”
What impact can blocking radiators with decorations or furniture have on energy bills?
“Blocking radiators is one of the most common festive mistakes that leads to higher winter energy bills. When radiators are covered with garlands, hidden behind the Christmas tree, or pushed up against furniture that has been repositioned for guests, the heat simply can’t circulate as it should.
“When warm air is trapped behind decorations or large pieces of furniture, a radiator has to run for much longer to heat the room to the same temperature. That wasted heat means wasted money and this can lead to noticeably higher bills over the festive period.
“Even stylish radiator covers or decorative displays can have the same effect. Anything that restricts airflow reduces efficiency. Keeping the space around your radiators clear is one of the simplest ways to stop your heating system from overworking.”
What impact can leaving indoor or outdoor Christmas lights on all day and into the evening have on energy bills?
“Christmas lighting may seem harmless, using it inefficiently can make a real dent in your January energy bill, particularly when lights are left on throughout the day or overnight.
“LED Christmas lights are relatively low-cost to run, but that doesn’t mean they should be left on constantly. Using them for eight hours a day is reasonable, but extending that to 12 or more hours, especially when nobody is around to enjoy them, can quickly eat into your energy budget.”
“The type of lights and the mode they’re set to also matters. For example, flashing or twinkling modes tend to use far less energy than having lights on continuously, offering energy savings of up to 64% for some products. If you’re running multiple indoor and outdoor displays, switching to more efficient settings can make a noticeable difference.”
“And for those still using traditional incandescent lights, the evidence is clear: they use dramatically more power than LEDs. Swapping them out is one of the easiest festive cost-savers.”
Are there any other mistakes homeowners make with festive decorations (either indoor or out) that they should avoid if they want to keep their bills as low as possible over Christmas?
Top 8 mistakes homeowners that can lead to a jump in their Christmas energy bill
“Many households still bring out old incandescent lights each year, despite them using dramatically more electricity. Switching to LED alternatives, which use up to 90% less energy and last far longer, is one of the easiest ways to cut festive running costs, and they’re also cooler and safer around children, pets and decorations.”
“Another common slip-up is relying on manual switching, which often means lights are left running long after everyone has gone to bed. Using timer plugs or smart sockets ensures lights only operate during set hours, preventing accidental overnight use and helping manage consumption, especially for outdoor displays.”
“It’s easy to unintentionally block radiators with Christmas trees, piled gifts or decorative stockings, but doing so traps warm air and makes the heating work harder. A quick rethink of where decorations sit can keep rooms warmer without turning the thermostat up and also reduces the risk of delicate items overheating or drying out.”
“Households often place animated or plug-in decorations near draughty doors or windows, where colder air forces them to draw more power to stay bright. Moving them to warmer, sheltered spots helps them run more efficiently and reliably throughout the festive period.”
“Some plug-in decorations emit a small amount of heat. If these are placed near a thermostat, they can trick your heating system into switching off early, making the rest of the house feel colder. This often leads people to turn the heating up higher than needed, costing more in the long run.”
“Many people plug in lights straight from the loft without checking their condition. Older, damaged or partly-faulty strands can use more energy and may be unsafe. If bulbs are flickering or dim, replacing the strand is best, a quick inspection before putting them up can prevent unnecessary energy waste and ensure everything runs safely.”
“Another mistake homeowners often make is overlooking the role that natural daylight can play in brightening festive décor. Decorating windowsills and sunlit areas with garlands, tinsel and metallic baubles allows them to catch and reflect daylight beautifully, reducing the need to switch on indoor lights earlier in the afternoon. Making the most of natural brightness keeps rooms feeling warm and festive without adding a single watt to the energy bill.”
Notes to editors
The drop in Brits switching energy tariffs was calculated through Energy UK reports that demonstrate that 591,156 households switched energy providers in October 2020, compared with only 360,971 households in October 2025. This represents a decline of 39%.
About George Penny
Based in Bromley, providing renewable energy solutions across the South-East, George Penny is the Director of The Solar Co. He has a passion for leading the UK’s transition to efficient and reliable renewable solutions for households and businesses alike.
About The Solar Co
The Solar Co is a leading UK-based renewable energy installer specialising in solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging solutions for residential, commercial, and new-build properties. Serving London and the South East, including areas like Bromley, Kent, and Croydon, the company is committed to helping customers reduce energy bills and carbon footprints through high-quality, MCS-certified installations.
With a focus on customer education and support, The Solar Co offers an interactive savings calculator, transparent consultations, and assistance with grant applications.
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