Energy bills could “could exceed €200” this Christmas, an energy systems expert has warned.
But the biggest cost according to Professor Aoife Foley will be “having the central heating on for five hours, which costs approximately €11.40 per day”.
The Queen’s University academic has teamed up with the Government to issue some advice on how to manage home energy costs while staying warm over the festivities.
READ MORE: Christmas opening hours for Dunnes, Tesco, Lidl, SuperValu, Aldi with Christmas Eve reminder issued
Professor Foley said: “With more time spent at home over the Christmas period, energy costs can mount quickly over the period.
“We want people to enjoy Christmas, but also to provide them with knowledge and advice on their consumption and costs.
“That is why we developed the user-friendly visual guide.
“By highlighting the energy cost of certain appliances, in tandem with advice on how to reduce energy consumption, we are empowering people to make informed decisions on how they can reduce their use where it is safe and possible to do so, while also keeping more money in their pocket.
“But staying warm and well over the Christmas period must be the priority for everyone.”
As part of the Government’s Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm and Well campaign, Professor Aoife Foley, and her team of energy systems experts developed a user-friendly graphic to help with budgeting for energy use this festive period.
The visual aid aims to help people make informed decisions on how to manage their own energy usage safely over the Christmas period, whilst enjoying time with family and friends.
Speaking about other costs on top of the Christmas dinner, Professor Foley added: “Over the festive period energy bills for households could exceed €200, which includes everyday home activities such as electric showers, using your dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer, boiling your kettle and cooking dinner.
“However, the biggest cost on a daily basis is having central heating on for 5 hours, which costs approximately €11.40 per day. “Turning your heating thermostat to about 19°C, servicing your boiler, checking that no air is trapped in your radiators, and using the correct time or volume setting to heat the water you need means you can save immediately.”
The Reduce Your Use / Stay Warm and Well campaign is led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, in collaboration with key partners including SEAI, the CRU, ALONE, MABS and the Department of Social Protection.
It is part of the Government’s response to the unprecedented challenge facing families, households, and businesses due to rising energy costs.
For more advice on how to lower your energy use and to get information on the supports and services available to cope with higher energy costs, check out: gov.ie/ReduceYourUse.
READ NEXT :
Met Eireann updates forecast as rain batters the country amid potential Christmas washout
Funeral of Irish woman with 'bright future' to take place today after death in Bali
Meet the Irishman who designed Argentina's World Cup-winning jersey in role with Adidas
Anyone want a son? Irish foster teen makes heartbreaking request to be adopted
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
