While 'tis the season to be jolly, extra outgoings can make Christmas the most wonderful – yet the most expensive – time of the year.

It's time to unravel the fairy lights, but concern about the extra expense shouldn't stop you from decorating your home and enjoying the holiday season to the fullest.

HERE ARE OUR BEST TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON ELECTRICITY THIS CHRISTMAS.

PUT TIMERS ON LIGHTS

It's easy to leave Christmas lights on and forget about them. Installing a timer on light plugs will help you maximise the time the lights are switched on so everyone can get the most enjoyment.

Set the timer to turn lights on after dark and off once the children are in bed. Leaving Christmas lights on during the day or when nobody's home will cause an increase in electricity bills for no reason.

CHANGE TO LED BULBS

LED bulbs can be up to 90 times more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs.

While switching to LED bulbs can cause an initial cost outlay, the bulbs will last from year to year and keep power bills low during the festivities.

SWITCH OFF AIRCON

Anyone who's experienced December in Queensland can tell you there's nothing more inviting than a cold blast of aircon on a hot summer's day! To keep costs low, make sure that you really need the aircon before you turn it on.
If guests are in and out of the garden leaving doors open behind them, the aircon isn't cooling the room efficiently and is wasting money.

If doors and windows are open, rely on the natural breeze and ceiling fans to keep the room cool.

CONSIDER SOLAR LIGHTS

You can buy specific lights for indoor and outdoor use. For safety reasons you must use the correct lights rather than improvising.

If you're looking to decorate the outside area, consider solar lights instead of electrical. After all, we're named the Sunshine State, so there's no better place to take advantage of the free power source!

BULK COOK

Staggering the holiday cooking can mean ovens and other appliances are turned on and used more than they need to be. Plan your meals so you fill the oven and use it to its maximum capacity every time it's on.
Start Christmas preparations early and cook and freeze meals in advance.

SWITCH OFF PLUG SOCKETS

Get into the habit of switching off all plug sockets before you go to bed and when you leave the house. Chargers and appliances that are left plugged in still use electricity even if the appliance isn't in use.

GET YOUR AIRCON UNITS SERVICED

If you have a portable or fixed aircon unit, faults can cause a surge in power bills. Your aircon unit should be serviced every 12 months to make sure it's running efficiently.

To find out more, call CRM Electrical on 0400 767 534 today.