Key Highlights
- Money Saving Expert (MSE) provides a tool to calculate the cost of Christmas lights.
- The MSE tool estimates the expenses based on the type of decoration and duration of use.
- A string of LED lights with between 500 and 1000 bulbs, left on for eight hours a day over two weeks, will cost around 18p.
- Traditional incandescent bulbs are significantly more expensive, estimated at £1.93 over the same period.
MSE Tool Helps Calculate Christmas Light Costs
Money Saving Expert (MSE), a platform founded by consumer guru Martin Lewis, has introduced a handy tool to help UK householders calculate the cost of their festive decorations. The tool allows users to input details such as the type of decoration and duration of use per day before providing an estimated total cost.
LED vs Incandescent Bulbs
The MSE tool highlights the significant difference in cost between LED and traditional incandescent bulbs. For instance, a string of LED lights with 500 to 1000 bulbs, left on for eight hours daily over two weeks, will set you back around 18p. In contrast, using similar traditional incandescent bulbs would result in a much higher cost, estimated at approximately £1.93.
Additional Cost Considerations
The MSE tool also covers additional festive decorations such as moving light-up decorations and large inflatable figures. For example, a moving light-up decoration like a bobbing reindeer for the same duration would cost “about 35p.” A large inflatable Father Christmas over eight hours daily for two weeks is estimated to charge around 44p.
Assumptions and Variance
MSE emphasizes that these calculations are based on standard light/decoration sets, with some assumptions made where specific wattage was not entered. They note that there can be a wide range of variance in specific sets, but the tool aims to provide an approximation for householders’ convenience.
Other Energy-Saving Tips
In addition to calculating Christmas light costs, MSE has also highlighted other ways consumers can save on energy bills. They advise unplugging four common devices that are often left on standby: game consoles, TVs, gaming PCs, and desktop computers. These appliances can quietly add up to a significant £141 per year, according to Stephen Hankinson, an energy efficiency expert from Electric Radiators Direct.
Hankinson explains that leaving these devices on standby uses a small amount of energy even when they are not in use.
He notes that over time, this can substantially increase your household’s electricity bills. The key takeaway is that unplugging these devices can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption and save money.
Conclusion
As the festive season approaches, it’s crucial for UK householders to consider their energy usage, especially when decorating for Christmas. Tools like MSE’s light cost calculator can provide valuable insights into budgeting for festive decorations while also promoting energy efficiency. By following these tips and advice, consumers can enjoy a bright and cost-effective holiday season.
To try out the MSE Christmas lights calculator tool, visit this link. For more information on energy-saving devices and other money-saving tips, check out ChronicleLive’s dedicated section for cost-saving advice.
