Energy bills remain stubbornly high this summer – but there are ways to keep costs down without sweltering in the heat
Cooling your home this summer doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as one savings guru has revealed how using a power strip instead of wall sockets can help reduce expenses.
Money Wellness expert Sian Westley has offered her expertise to households struggling to keep costs low as temperatures rise. While the summer months typically mean less energy usage, fans, fridges and other cooling appliances can quickly eat up any savings made from switching off the heating.
However, the money-saving whizz has shared several tips on how Brits can keep their bills low despite the soaring energy prices that will leave few households able to accumulate credit for the colder months. One common tip is simply unplugging devices when they’re not in use, or using fewer appliances overall and enduring the blistering heat.
However, Sian pointed out one key investment that could save money all year round. She advised: “Invest in a smart power strip for around £29.99, which cuts power to devices when they’re not in use.”
Similarly, going against the instinct to unplug everything and use fewer appliances, Sian recommended using a dishwasher, explaining: “They use 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 makeup just 1%. Maximise the saving by completely filling your dishwasher before turning it on to reduce cost-per-wash.”
The expert also highly recommended Britons defrost their freezer in the hotter months, saying: “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.”
One simple trick that might be easier for some to put in action is turning down the heat on their washing machines. Although doing laundry at higher temperatures is more effective for killing germs and mould, a steady 30 degrees for a full load can still accomplish this while being energy efficient.
Sian added: “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. To boost savings, take advantage of the nice weather, and dry your clothes outside for free. Dryers vacuum up energy and cost around £1.51 per cycle.”
“Make the most of outdoor living in summer 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.”
Sian shared one final tip: “Take 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.”
