How to save energy in the summer: our top tips

How to save energy in the summer: our top tips

10 August 2023

With warmer weather and longer days, it’s no surprise our energy bills are lower in the summer. Even so, there are still ways you can save energy – and money – while it’s warm outside. To help, here are nine useful energy-saving tips for the summer.

1. Close curtains to keep direct sunlight out

When you’re trying to keep your home cool, the last thing you need is the sun beaming heat into every room. Direct sunlight emits heat into your home – keep it out by closing curtains and blinds. So you don’t have to waste energy on a fan or air conditioning.

Close curtains and blinds on hot days

2. Dry clothes without a tumble dryer

Tumble dryers – especially older models – are notoriously energy-hungry. Why not give them a break? Warmer weather offers the perfect opportunity to dry your clothes naturally. Use a drying rack or a washing line on your balcony, in your garden, or even in your home with the windows open.

Dry clothes without a tumble dryer

3. Aim to keep your fridge three-quarters full 

Believe it or not, your fridge works most efficiently when it’s three-quarters full. If you pack too much in, it has to work harder to circulate cold air. And when it’s empty, warm air rushes in when you open the door. If you’ve got a lot of room to spare, try filling the space with bottles of tap water. That way, you’ll have cold drinks ready for hot days.

4. Keep your freezer working efficiently

When ice builds up in your freezer, the motor has to work harder, which uses more energy. But if you regularly defrost it, the motor will work more efficiently - and could even extend the life of your freezer.

Here are some other ways to reduce your fridge and freezer’s energy consumption:

• Place them in the coolest part of the room, away from the oven

• Leave enough room for hot air to escape from the back

• Always let hot food cool down before putting it in the fridge

• Avoid leaving the door open in-between jobs

5. Install aerating shower heads and taps

Many of us use more water in the summer – frequent showers, watering the plants or even filling up hot tubs. A good way to reduce your water use is to install aerating attachments on your shower head and taps. They work by blending water with air to create larger droplets – which uses less water and energy to heat.

6. Let fresh air flow through your home

The quickest, cheapest and easiest way to keep your home cool is to let fresh air flow through it. Open a window at opposite ends of your home, keep doors wedged open, and let a fresh breeze circulate around each room.

7. Take cooler, quicker showers

Besides being a cheaper way of washing, cold showers are also the easiest way to cool down on a hot day. If you can, aim for five minute showers or less. When you reduce the amount of time spent in the shower, you use less water and save more energy – a double-win.

8. Swap traditional light bulbs for LEDs

Although LED lights are more expensive, they last longer, give off more light, less heat, and use less electricity than traditional light bulbs.

Did you know that switching to LED lights could cut 40kg* from your annual carbon-dioxide emissions, and save you up to £15 per bulb, per year*?

On some smart LED lighting, you can programme them to switch off, which reduces energy waste. Check out our latest range of smart LED lighting.

9. Get the most out of your smart meter

Thanks to the in-home display (IHD) that comes with a smart meter, you can track how much energy you’re using, and money you’re spending. It also gives you daily, weekly and monthly breakdowns, so your bills are easier to predict. This helps you make energy-conscious decisions, which can reduce your bills and your carbon footprint.

Haven’t got a smart meter yet? We’ll install one for you at no extra cost. Book your appointment today.

*Figures from Energy Saving Trust