Thousands of households urged to do one simple thing before Christmas to save money on bills

As the countdown to Christmas begins, our homes transform into a hub of festive activities. From hosting parties to cosy movie nights, it's essential to ensure our living spaces are warm and welcoming.

However, this comfort can come at a steep cost as heating bills continue to soar. With gas and electricity prices already seeing a 10 per cent increase this month, striking a balance between comfort and cost is more crucial than ever.

Experts suggest that a simple trick like keeping your curtains open can help save on heating costs during the festive season. Welcoming loved ones in the colder months often means cranking up the heat, but this doesn't have to lead to sky-high bills.

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Indoor living experts at VonHaus recommend keeping everyone cosy without emptying your savings by merely keeping the curtains open during the day. Despite the chilly weather, the UK still benefits from sunlight, which experts describe as free heat.

By opening your curtains and blinds during the day, you can let in as much sunlight as possible, then close them at night to retain the heat. Heavy curtains provide extra insulation, helping to trap warmth, according to the Express, reports the Mirror.

While it may seem like a minor step, it can make a significant difference in keeping your home warmer without adjusting the thermostat.

Another straightforward method to keep your home warm is by simply ensuring certain doors are kept closed, preventing the warmth from escaping into unused areas. This trick is particularly effective for larger homes or those with open-plan layouts.

Moreover, closing doors behind you helps to create a 'pocket' of warmth in the room you're in, reducing the need for constant adjustments to the heating. If you're preparing a large Christmas dinner, take advantage of the heat from your oven.

Cooking for big groups naturally warms up the house, so use this opportunity to lower the thermostat. To conserve even more energy, opt for energy-efficient appliances like slow cookers or air fryers.

Additionally, replacing your Christmas lights with LED versions can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80 percent compared to older incandescent bulbs. Not only are LED lights energy-efficient, but they're also safer as they generate less heat.