With festive season preparations underway across the UK, households are being urged to calculate the potential impact on their energy bills. Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert (MSE) has launched a crucial new tool designed to help Brits understand exactly what their Christmas lighting displays will cost them.
How the MSE Christmas calculator works
The free online tool allows users to input specific details about their decorations, including the type of lights, how many hours per day they're switched on, and the number of days they'll be used throughout the festive period. Based on this information, it provides a personalised estimate of the total cost.
The calculator reveals dramatic differences between lighting types. For example, a string of LED lights containing between 500 and 1000 bulbs, if left illuminated for eight hours daily over a two-week period, will cost approximately just 14p.
The price difference between LED and traditional bulbs
However, the financial picture changes significantly for those using older-style decorations. The same usage pattern with traditional incandescent bulbs rather than modern LEDs would see the cost leap to roughly £1.93 over the fortnight.
MSE has also calculated costs for other popular festive decorations. A moving light-up decoration, such as an animated reindeer, used for eight hours daily over two weeks would cost about 35p. Meanwhile, a large inflatable decoration like a Father Christmas figure would add approximately 44p to energy bills under the same conditions.
Understanding the calculations
The team behind the tool acknowledges that variations exist between different light sets. "We've calculated this for standard light / decoration sets, so we've had to make some assumptions (unless you entered your own wattage) as clearly there can be a whole host of variance on specific sets," MSE stated.
"Yet we hope it illuminates the rough cost of your lights for you." The tool provides valuable insight for households looking to manage their budgets during a traditionally expensive time of year, especially amidst ongoing concerns about energy prices.
The calculator is available now on the Money Saving Expert website, offering families the chance to make informed decisions about their festive displays without facing unexpected bills in the new year.
