Cost of living crisis: How to save energy this summer
UK Debt: May 2023 statistics
May 28, 2023UK Debt: June 2023 statistics
June 29, 2023
During the warmer months, we tend to use less energy in our homes. This helps to build up credit for use during Winter which is incredibly important to do especially during this cost of living crisis when prices are inflated.
Continue reading to find out how to save energy this Summer
Tips to save energy this Summer
Switch off appliances
We probably all know about this tip, but switching off appliances that we are not using and avoiding leaving them on standby can save lots over the year.
Keep windows closed during the day
During warm weather, our natural instinct is to crack open the windows to let a breeze in. However, doing this could make matters worse because you are letting the warm air in.
Advice is to keep windows closed during the day when temperatures are at their highest. To avoid the greenhouse effect that windows create, make sure to close curtains or blinds to block the sunlight.
Windows can be opened when temperatures drop at night and kept open until early morning. These methods should help to avoid over reliance on fans to cool the home.
Use fans wisely
Which brings us onto this next tip. If you absolutely have to use a fan to cool your home then you need to ensure you are using them to their full potential.
Position your fans at a lower level. Warm air rises so the cool air will always be closer to the floor. Positioning your fans near an open window at night can help circulate the cool air from outside. Lastly, the old trick of leaving a bowl of ice infront of the fan works wonders for circulating cooler air around the room.
Use the dryer less
Take advantage of the warmer weather and peg your clothes up outside. If you do not have a washing line, then a clothes horse or a couple of chairs will do.
Use water efficiently
There are so many tips that could be adopted in this area.
Cooler temperature showers and baths have become a very trendy subject recently, with research showing that cooler temperatures have many health benefits. Ensure that your shower time is short and choose showers over baths given the water consumption.
Consider washing clothes at 30 degrees. Most detergents claim to ensure a clean wash at lower temperatures so try that out.
Invest in a water butt for the garden. Rainwater is caught and then used for the garden over the warmer months. Consider using spent bathwater on the plants too instead of getting out the hosepipe.
If a paddling pool is needed during the warmer months, ensure that the spent water is used on the plants and make sure that the paddling pool is only filled to shallow levels to avoid wasting water.
Switch energy suppliers
Have a look into moving suppliers to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Money saving expert has advice on how to go about this and what sort of position you have to be in to make it worthwhile so have a read here.
Invest in LED bulbs
Yes, this means that there is an initial outlay, but over time it will more than pay for itself. LED lights use a low amount of energy and emit less heat than a standard bulb. Also, they are longer lasting than a standard bulb.
Do you have any other tips? Leave them in the comments – we would love to read them!
