As we head into the warmer summer months, we’re all turning to gadgets and tricks to keep cool, but some are easier on the wallet than others. Even though energy prices are down compared to last year, they’re still a pain for our wallets.
So it’s only natural that we’re all looking to cut down on consumption wherever possible. Energy experts at Heat Pumps UK have looked at the most common mistakes that drive up energy bills during the summer.
They’ve also crunched the numbers to show how much each mistake could cost you during the summer. According to the energy expert, these are the five most common mistakes people make that drive up their energy bills in the summer.
Leaving technology on or on standby: £100
Televisions, laptops and gaming consoles emit heat when they are on and even when they are in standby mode. To maintain a cool room temperature and save money on your energy bill, it is essential to turn off all electronic devices that are not in use.
“It is best to unplug appliances that are not in use as they still consume energy and emit heat even when in standby mode,” says the Heat Pumps UK expert.
How much is this costing you?
Research from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that this mistake alone could see households wasting around £250 a year on ‘ghost load’. Add to this the unwanted heat they give off and you’re likely to waste £100 on unnecessary energy bills during the summer months.
Using the dryer: £67.50
Opening the dryer is the easiest option, but it’s a real waste of money in summer. Hanging up clothes can be a bit of a hassle, but it will save you a few euros.
“Having the dryer on is probably the biggest culprit for skyrocketing electricity bills in the summer. We don’t actually need it most days, maybe just a few times throughout the season,” says the expert.
How much is this costing you?
A typical British family washes around 45 loads of laundry a month on average. At 4.5 kilowatts per cycle, running a tumble dryer for each load would cost around 50p, which could add up to £67.50 during the summer months.
The expert recommends using a clothesline in summer: “Taking advantage of the good weather and drying clothes naturally on a clothesline will allow you to save a few euros.”
Hot water waste: £50
Wasting hot water is a sure way to increase your energy bills. Around 18% of a typical home’s energy use comes from heating water, so every drop counts.
“Everyday habits, such as taking too long in the shower, boiling a full kettle for a single infusion or a huge pot for a couple of vegetables, add up,” says the expert.
How much is this costing you?
We asked the expert for an estimate: “I would say that a typical British household could be wasting around £50 on their electricity bills through wasted hot water.”
Leave the lights on – £21.60
With longer daylight hours in the summer, there’s less need to rely on artificial lighting. Turning on the lights may seem harmless, but it adds up. Not only are you using extra electricity, which can increase your bills, but some traditional light bulbs also generate heat.
“Traditional light bulbs waste around 90% of their energy by generating heat instead of light,” warns the expert.
“Switch to low-consumption or LED light bulbs, which are much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent ones. They use less electricity and emit much less heat. Also, remember to open the blinds at night to make the most of natural light.”
How much is this costing you?
If you left just three bulbs on for four hours a day, at 2p per kilowatt-hour, the cost would be £21.60 in summer.
Incorrect use of fans: £10.80
Fans are essential during heat waves, but many people don’t use them properly. They circulate the air and create a cooling breeze, but they don’t lower the temperature in the room.
“A big mistake people make with fans is leaving the windows open. This allows warm air to come in, which in turn increases the temperature of the room and the fan just keeps moving the warm air around,” the expert explains. “A bowl of ice in front of the fan can create a cooler breeze and help you get the most out of your fan.”
How much is this costing you?
A typical fan consumes between 30 and 100 watts, depending on its size. On average, a 65 watt fan running for eight hours a day would cost around 12p per day. That’s about £10.80 over a three-month summer period.
