Households can claw back some of the pain of a 13% hike in energy rates by making a handful of simple summer swaps, according to new research from comparison site Uswitch.com.
Key Summer Swaps and Savings
Ditching the tumble dryer in favour of an old-fashioned airing on the line can save the average household just over £25 over the four warmest months of the year. With another heatwave gripping Britain this week, swapping a hot shower for a cold one brings its own reward—a saving of £26.63 over the same period.
Add up all the changes on offer, and Uswitch believes households could save more than £72 before autumn arrives.
Detailed Savings Breakdown
Uswitch compared typical energy usage for common appliances and activities during summer. For example, a hot shower (7.5kW for 20 minutes) costs 65p, while a cool shower (3.75kW for 20 minutes) costs just 33p. A tumble dryer cycle (3kWh) costs 94p, compared to £0 for line-drying. Similarly, oven-cooked meals (0.63kWh per cycle) cost 16p, while cold meals cost nothing. Even charging a mobile phone from the mains costs 1.04p for two hours, compared to £0 with a solar-powered charger.
Garden Energy Traps
However, experts warn that any goodwill built up indoors can be wiped out in the garden. Even an efficient hot tub adds £1 to £1.30 a day to bills—rising to £3 a day or more for cheaper, less efficient models.
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."
He added: "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. Where you may need to consider the cost is in the garden. Hot tubs, patio heaters and outdoor lighting are increasingly popular. But make sure you check how much they cost to run, as a hot tub left on all summer can undo every saving made elsewhere in the house."
Fixed Tariffs Offer Further Savings
Uswitch is also urging households not to let the sunshine distract them from shopping around for a better energy deal. The best fixed tariffs are currently running around 15% below standard rates, offering average savings of £249—protection that will still be paying off once the heating goes back on in autumn.
Mr Gallizzi added: "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.
