6 simple ways households are urged by experts to cut energy bills this | Personal Finance | Finance

With summer on the horizon, radiators will be getting used less and less across the UK. But with warmer weather heating up British homes and a predicted spring heatwave on the way, reliance on air conditioning, fans and refrigerators will likely see energy costs shoot back up.

Although data from Statistica demonstrates that the UK uses the most power in winter at 941 GWh per day and the least in summer at 741GWh per day, Sunsave Energy notes that these seasonal fluctuations aren’t particularly dramatic because colder weather tends to increase gas consumption much more than it does electricity.

So, to make the most of saving in the less costly season, energy experts at business energy comparison site, Bionic, have shared six key tips they hope to stress to Brits before summer comes around again.

Bionic’s energy experts stressed the importance of choosing how to use your water – and added that the water temperature makes all the difference.

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“Heating water uses a significant amount of energy, so only running appliances like dishwashers or washing machines with full loads at cooler temperatures can make a significant impact on usage,” they said. “In fact, most eco cycles use up to 30% less energy and water than regular cycles, [according to Glimpse Google Trends data.]”

While fans inevitably use up energy, they use far less energy than air conditioning systems. According to Currys data, choosing to use fans over AC could save you more than £135 per month.

Bionic’s experts add a top tip: “Using fans that are closer to floor level will help to circulate cool air around a room.”

The energy experts said: “Opening a window or door to let in a cool breeze can often have the opposite effect by allowing hot air from outside to enter.”

Instead, they recommended blinds, suggesting households “try to keep [windows and doors] shut and use curtains or blinds to block out sunlight.

“Simple measures like reflective blinds, external shading and closing south‑facing blinds can also dramatically reduce the temperature in a room.”

It’s a simple one but, nevertheless, easy to forget. Bionic’s experts said: “Many appliances consume energy when plugged into the wall, even when they’re not turned on or in use, which can account for up to 23% of an electricity bill.

“To combat this, you should unplug chargers, turn off computers, and shut down appliances.”

The experts said: “Upgrading to LED lighting can result in using up to 80% less energy than traditional fluorescent light bulbs, and may last up to 25 times longer.”

They’re also perfect in the summer: “They also emit less heat, which can reduce the need for cooling during warm weather.”

Perhaps a lesser-known tip, Bionic’s energy experts emphasise the importance of working air filters.

“If your home has outdated, inefficient cooling systems, you may be losing energy and, in turn, money. Older AC systems or those not regularly serviced may have to work harder to cool the building, leading to increased energy use.”

They concluded: “Make sure to clean or replace filters at least once every three months during peak usage times to ensure your system operates efficiently.”