With the festive season approaching, many households across the UK are feeling the financial strain of rising winter energy costs. Fortunately, money saving expert Martin Lewis has shared a series of practical and effective tips to help Britons reduce their bills before Christmas.
Radiator Hacks for Instant Warmth
One of the simplest and most cost-effective tricks Martin Lewis advocates involves a common kitchen item. He suggests placing foil behind your radiators to reflect heat back into the room, preventing it from being absorbed by external walls.
While specialist radiator foil is available, Martin confirms that standard tin foil works just as effectively and is a far cheaper option, making this an immediate win for those on a tight budget.
The 'Demon Appliance' to Avoid
During the colder, damper months, drying clothes becomes a challenge, but Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning about one particular household appliance. He previously told BBC News that the tumble dryer is often the "real demon appliance" in most homes due to its high running cost.
His clear advice is to avoid using it wherever possible to see a significant impact on your energy consumption.
Cheaper Alternatives for Drying Clothes
To help people wean themselves off the expensive tumble dryer, Martin Lewis proposes a more economical solution. He recommends using an airer outdoors to dry clothes, even in winter, as the fresh air can significantly shorten drying time.
For those needing to dry clothes indoors, he suggests using a dehumidifier to extract moisture from the air, which is a much cheaper method than running a tumble dryer for extended periods.
Festive Cheer Without the Costly Fear
Many people worry about the electricity cost of Christmas decorations, but Martin Lewis offers reassuring guidance. Appearing on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, he explained that the type of lights you use makes a monumental difference.
Based on the energy price cap from 2024, he provided a clear comparison: "LED lights, 1p per 12 hours per 100 bulbs. Incandescents, 12 times as much, so 12p per 12 hours per 100 bulbs." The message is unequivocal – switching to LED Christmas lights allows for festive sparkle without a hefty price tag.
By implementing these five key strategies from Martin Lewis, UK households can take proactive steps to manage their energy usage and keep their winter bills under control during the expensive Christmas period.
