Beat the Heat without Breaking the Bank: Expert Tips to Slash Your Energy Bills
As the summer heat sets in, it’s easy to get caught up in the comfort of cranking up the AC and indulging in cooling treats. However, with energy prices skyrocketing, it’s more important than ever to find ways to keep your energy bills low without sacrificing your summer fun.
Summer vibes
One simple trick to save money all year round is to use a power strip instead of wall sockets. This clever hack can help cut costs and make a significant dent in your energy bills.
Money Wellness expert Sian Westley shares her top tips on how to keep energy bills low despite the rising temperatures. While it may be tempting to unplug everything and use fewer appliances, Sian recommends using a dishwasher, which uses less water than hand washing in the sink. According to the Energy Saving Trust, hand washing accounts for 4% of the average household’s water use, whereas dishwashers make up just 1%. Maximise the saving by completely filling your dishwasher before turning it on to reduce cost-per-wash.
“Invest in a smart power strip for around £29.99, which cuts power to devices when they’re not in use.” - Sian Westley
Another key investment is defrosting your freezer during the warmer months. Ice buildup means your freezer has to work harder to regulate the temperature inside, especially if it gathers around the fan. A frost-free freezer will save money on energy bills, and you’ll be able to use every inch of space, so more room for ice creams and other summer treats.
Reducing the heat on your washing machine is another simple tip that can make a big difference. While doing laundry at higher temperatures is more effective for killing germs and mould, a consistent 30 degrees for a full load can still achieve this while being energy efficient.
“Save money by reducing the temperature you wash your clothes at to 30 degrees and make sure you only wash a full load. Your clothes will be cleaned as well as they would on a hot wash, but you’ll use 40% less energy.” - Sian Westley
Take advantage of the nice weather and commit to restricting as much energy use as possible to off-peak hours. Off-peak hours vary depending on your supplier, but they’re usually between 10pm and 8am because less energy is taken from the grid during this time, so energy providers can afford to offer cheaper rates.
Lastly, Sian advises taking some time over summer to check what you are entitled to. Even a small award can open the door to lots of different help, such as the WaterSure scheme, which helps low-income households with high essential water use with the cost of their water bills.
Energy saving tips
By following these expert tips, you can enjoy the summer heat without breaking the bank. Remember, every little bit counts, and making these small changes can add up to make a big difference in your energy bills.
Summer fun on a budget
