Brits will have festive lights turned on for 146 hours in December, study finds

04 December 2023 , 15:34

902     0

Three in 10 Brits worry about how much energy they use in the last month of the year (Image: SWNS)

Brits will spend 155 hours heating up their homes, and 146 hours with festive lights switched on, over this Christmas period, a study has found.

Other household appliances set to be used for large chunks of time during December include the TV, for 81 hours – as half (49%) of Brits will spend more time in front of their screens over the festive season, compared to the rest of the year. And 39% will cook more frequently during this month, for a total of 40 hours – as they prepare for the season of get-togethers and partying.

The research, of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, was commissioned by British Gas, which is gifting its customers with half-price electricity every Sunday this month, including Christmas Day, to help them save on their energy.

Reasons for the increase in these household behaviours are put down to being at home more than usual, and spending quality time with family and friends. Exactly three in 10 often worry about how much energy they are using in the last month of the year – and, as a result, will try and take advantage of off-peak electricity times.

Brits typically watch 81 hours of TV over the Christmas period - with half saying this is more than they watch at any other time of year (SWNS)

A fifth do this when it comes to using the washing machine, while 10% will take advantage of the hob or microwave during these hours (10pm-8am).

Shop prices 'are yet to peak and will remain high' as inflation hits new heights

It also emerged 22% set time limits on how long they have the heating on for, and 13% will be strict about the length of time decorative lights are switched on.

And in the months after Christmas, 47% say they change their household behaviours in an attempt to balance things out on their energy bills, according to the OnePoll.com study.

Some of the top areas they are most cautious about as they head into the new year include lighting (55%), the use of hot water (38%), and how often they utilise laundry appliances (39%).

Sunny Solanky, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “The busy festive period can often mean that households use more energy than the typical month in December – but there are ways people can ensure their homes are energy efficient.

“From being smart about using your Christmas lights, to thinking about your cooking options, there are a few easy tips we can share to help people enjoy their festivities, while also doing what they can to keep their energy usage lower.”

TOP THREE TIPS FOR BEING MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THIS CHRISTMAS:

1. Shine bright, but not all night: Use a plug-in timer to avoid consuming too much extra energy. If you are planning to go big on Christmas lights, check you’re using the most energy-efficient bulbs – low-energy LED lights use 90% less energy, and last much longer than older versions.
2. Quick-cook fabulous festive feasts: When feeding smaller groups, consider using a pressure cooker or air fryer for your festive feast, as it’s quicker and more efficient than an oven. If you are using an oven, resist opening the door during cooking to avoid letting the heat escape, as significant energy is used to bring it back up to temperature.
3. Check bills are in good “elf”: It’s always worth looking into special offers that could save you a considerable amount of money, especially during the festive season. With Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve falling on a Sunday this year, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills when preparing for celebrations.

Andrew Young