Thursday, November 18, 2010
Category:
Home Improvements
According to new research commissioned by Gocompare.com, which involved surveying 3,000 UK adults, 52 percent of UK households will be displaying outdoor Christmas decorations this year. However, it was also found that 85 percent of people ‘have no idea how much fairy lights, inflatable Santas and flying reindeer will add to their winter electricity bill’.
Findings revealed that UK householders will spend an average sum of £236 purchasing lights and festive ornaments. What’s more, three million households will reportedly be putting up external Christmas decorations for this first time this year.
However, Gocompare.com has pointed out that powering a display that is comprised of 100 x 5 watt bulbs will consume 0.5 Kwh, thus affecting electricity bills. It has been calculated that keeping such a Christmas display illuminated for six hours a day, from the beginning of November to the first week of January, could consume an extra 207 Kwh of electricity. This is believed to equate to 22.8 days’ average household electricity consumption.
To help homeowners manage their energy bills over the ‘most expensive quarter’, Gocompare.com is advising them to switch their energy supplier before they switch on their Christmas lights. The research uncovered that 80 percent of consumers have not switched in the last year, whilst 22 percent have never done so. However, the comparison site has estimated that their customers have saved an average sum of £442 by switching energy suppliers.
Head of Home Services at Gocompare.com, Phil Paterson-Fox, commented: "This year, it looks like you could be in the minority if you aren't planning to bling-up your home for Christmas. However, regardless of whether you are going to adorn your home with external Christmas decorations or not, now's the ideal time to check that you've got the best energy deal. Winter usually produces the biggest energy bills so whilst it's great to get into the festive spirit, it's even better to do it knowing you're not paying any more than you have to. Significant savings can be made by changing your energy supplier – giving you extra money for festive treats."
………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Homeowners whose energy bills are unnecessarily high all year round due to their property requiring attention could consider taking out a secured loan to rectify key problem areas. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could allow borrowers to replace any draughty doors and windows for example. In addition, insulation could be improved throughout the property to further reduce heat loss. Following any such work, borrowers may also wish to re-decorate and re-furbish their home to make it all the more cosy.
