Ever since Bing Crosby sang the hit song, ‘White Christmas’, snow-laden vistas and frosted windows have defined the perfect festive setting for many of us. New research has revealed that 62% would actually prefer a warm Yuletide if it meant they could save on their dreaded winter heating bills this year.

The research by home heating expert Alpha Heating Innovation comes as the collapse of further energy firms is predicted to follow the 22 suppliers which have already folded since September. With the energy price cap now expected to rise by over 40% next April, the UK is bracing itself for an increase in household bills and looking for ways to conserve home running costs. As a result, almost three quarters (74 per cent) would consider using the heating less during the festive season in order to save money.

Darran Smith, Technical Manager for Alpha Heating Innovation, commented: “With gas prices set to radically increase in 2022 and fuel poverty likely to extend far beyond the four million households already struggling to pay their energy bills, it is little wonder that most of us would happily forego a white Christmas. We are urging households to consider ways of keeping their heating bills manageable over the festive period and look to establish some good home heating habits now before the price hikes arrive.”

When it comes to the nation’s Christmas finances, a warm home features in the top three items which UK households prioritise (38 per cent), along with presents for friends and family (53 per cent) and festive food (52 per cent).

Whilst gift budgets can be set and purse strings for food tightened, there are simple and efficient ways to save without compromise.

Darran continues: “Don’t waste energy on heating the whole house all night. If you have thermostatic radiator valves, turn them down or off in rooms that aren’t regularly used. Think about what room temperature you normally set and reduce it by just 1ºC – you won’t notice any difference but you can cut heating bills by up to £105 a year in a typical home. And finally, put on an extra layer such as that festive must-have: the Christmas jumper. Very simple; but it never fails to make a surprisingly big difference.”