You might not believe it, but summer is here. Whilst the weather may not have got the memo, Outfox The Market sure has. Energy might be the last thing on your mind when you are dreaming about sitting on the beach or dancing away at a music festival. So we’ve got you covered to keep it that way. Outfox has compiled ten great tips to help you save energy in these warmer months and keep you firmly in the summer mood.
Program your thermostat
Programming your thermostat is a great, easy way to help save energy in the summer. Allowing you to set schedules, you can program it to turn off when you're not home, so you're not wasting heating on an empty house.
Smart thermostats can offer even greater control and efficiency. These devices can learn your schedule and preferences, adjusting the temperature automatically for optimal comfort and energy savings. Some models can even be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to make adjustments wherever you may be in the world.
Be Mindful of Your Laundry Habits
As we all know, washing and particularly drying clothes can use a significant amount of energy. To try and counter this, try to do your laundry in full loads and use cold water instead of hot, even washing clothes at 30C instead of 40C can add up.
You can also air dry your clothes to save even more energy. If you need to use the dryer, make sure to clean the lint filter before each use to improve air circulation and reduce drying time.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient (more on this later) washing machine if your current model is outdated. Newer models are designed to be more energy and water-efficient, which can lead to substantial savings over time. Choosing an A-rated washing machine over a D-rated one could save you around £95.
When doing full loads, avoid overloading the washing machine, as this can reduce efficiency and even damage your appliance.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Not every realises but electronic devices can continue to consume energy even when they are turned off. This is called "phantom energy" and can account for up to 10% of your energy bill.
Make sure to unplug electronics when they are not in use, and switch off the plug at the wall. By eliminating these energy vampires, you could typically save £60-£70 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Additionally, consider charging devices like smartphones and laptops only when necessary and unplugging them once they're fully charged to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you're in the market for new appliances, look for energy-efficient options. Appliances are tested for how much energy they require during a typical use. This gives them a rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient product of its class, and G being the least efficient.
You can also look for energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED or CFL, to save even more energy. These bulbs not only use less electricity but also last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, further reducing waste and replacement costs.
When shopping for appliances, take the time to compare energy consumption figures and long-term costs. Sometimes, a cheaper appliance might end up costing more in the long run due to higher energy usage!
Cut that shower time down
We know it can get warm in summer, but if you can resist the temptation on taking the long shower after a day of sunbathing. You can start to see some serious energy savings.
By limiting your shower time to just four minutes you can save up to £70 a year! Plus, it means more time to top up that tan.
Use Natural Light
Take advantage of natural light during the day by keeping your curtains and blinds open. This will reduce your need and temptation to put the house lights on, saving energy and money.
As a bonus, maximizing natural light can also have positive effects on your mood and productivity! Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve well-being and help regulate sleep patterns.
Cook Efficiently
Cooking is one of the staples of the summer but unfortunately for our tastebuds, it can use a lot of energy. To save energy, use your oven sparingly and opt for outdoor cooking or grilling instead. Use that BBQ! You can also use small appliances like a slow cooker, which uses less energy and generates less heat.
Consider preparing meals that require minimal cooking to make the most of the warm weather such as salads or cold dishes.
Air Fryers use less energy and time than conventional ovens and using a microwave can be more energy-efficient for reheating food.
If you do use the oven, remember to turn it off a few minutes before the cooking time is up, as the residual heat will continue to cook the food without using additional energy, saving precious pounds.
Solar Savings
Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can help bring those bills down, save you energy in summer and help you become more energy independent.
On hotter, brighter days, you can store energy gathered from solar panels in a battery, saving it for a rainy day.
Get Your Home Insulated
The majority of the UK’s homes suffer from poor insulation. Having proper insulation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your home is not adequately insulated, you are wasting energy! Consider adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors to help reduce your energy costs. Good insulation will dramatically slow the transfer of heat.
Sealing gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and other openings is a cheap and quick fix to improve your home's energy efficiency!
Get a Smart Meter
Installing a SMART meter is the best way to be completely on top of your energy usage.
By using the In-Home Display (IHD). You can view in near real-time the energy usage of your home. It can show you the times of day when energy usage is at its peak, enabling you to make suitable changes in your day to day schedule to help save energy.
SMART meters also remove the need to take manual meter readings by completely automating the process.
All homes are to be offered SMART meters by 2025, but you can reach out to Outfox today and book your installation.
Saving energy during the summer doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By using OTM’s handy tips, you can lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. There are plenty of ways to stay cool and save energy this summer!