Households could save more than £72 on energy bills this summer by making simple lifestyle adjustments, according to comparison website Uswitch.com. The potential savings come as energy costs have risen by 13%, with the top fixed tariffs currently around 15% below standard rates, offering average savings of £249.
Key Savings from Simple Swaps
Abandoning the tumble dryer in favor of traditional line-drying can save the typical household just over £25 across the four hottest months. Switching from a hot shower to a cold one offers a saving of £26.63 over the same timeframe. Opening a window instead of running a dehumidifier for two hours a day could reduce bills by £10.82, while choosing a cold drink instead of one hot drink a day could save £4.39 annually.
Households could also shave £2.63 off energy costs by opting for a salad instead of cooking one oven meal each week. Making better use of natural daylight instead of keeping an LED lightbulb on for eight hours a day could save another £2.11. Even charging a mobile phone using a solar charger rather than mains electricity offers a small annual saving of 58p.
Caution for Garden Energy Use
Specialists caution that any gains made indoors can be completely undone in the garden. Even an energy-efficient hot tub adds £1 to £1.30 daily to bills, climbing to £3 per day or higher for cheaper, less efficient versions. Patio heaters and outdoor lighting can also add to costs.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: "The moment the sun is out and the weather is warm, most of us stop thinking about energy altogether, but this is exactly the window where easy energy savings can be made. Energy rates have just risen significantly for millions, so making some simple swaps with your energy usage should help to take some of the pressure off from higher summer bills. One of the simplest but most efficient changes is to skip a tumble dryer cycle on a hot day and hang the washing up instead, and those savings really add up."
Don't Forget to Switch Tariffs
Uswitch is also encouraging households not to allow the warm weather to distract them from seeking out a more competitive energy deal. The top fixed tariffs are currently sitting around 15% below standard rates, delivering average savings of £249 — a financial cushion that will still prove beneficial once the heating is switched back on come autumn.
Mr Gallizzi continued: "Don't let switching your tariff fall off the to-do list just because the weather's nice, as households can save up to £249 on average by fixing right now. If you are wondering whether to opt for a fixed deal or stay on a standard tariff, the answer is clear – the majority of fixed tariffs available will save you money, not just now but also over the winter months."
Uswitch's Top Five Summer Energy Tips
- Turn the heating off completely while the weather is mild.
- Choose a well-insulated hot tub and always use a fitted cover.
- Switch off fans whenever you leave a room.
- Dry laundry outside instead of using a tumble dryer or dehumidifier.
- Use the Uswitch app with a smart meter to spot energy guzzlers around the home.
