With longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures (most of the time) summer in the UK is the ideal time to save money on home bills!
Summer here in the UK officially started on 21st June. There are so many reasons to love summer, and saving money is definitely got to be one of them in 2022.
If you’re looking to save on household bills over the next few months, then take a look at some simple habits you can change.
Open Windows in the Evening
As us Brits are all so used to colder temperatures, most people think that opening windows throughout the day will help keep your house cool on warm days.
But when the temperature outside is really warm, all you’re doing is letting that hot air into your home, making it more difficult to cool down later.
Keep all windows closed ideally until the sun goes down and the temperature begins to drop, and then you can open them all throughout the evening and night.
Close Curtains & Blinds
Another great way to keep your house cool is to keep all of your blinds and curtains closed throughout the day so that the sun and heat can’t beam in.
Of course, if you’re at home during the day, then you will need to get some natural light inside.
But always try your best to open blinds or curtains on the side of the home where the sun isn’t directly coming in to restrict the amount of heat coming in as much as possible. This will mean you’ll not have to use your air conditioning or fans as much at night.
Keep Lights Turned Off
As we’ve mentioned above, we get so much more daylight hours throughout the summer, the sun often doesn’t actually set at night until around 9:30pm!
So there really is no need to turn the lights on, especially throughout the day. And by the time the sun sets at night, you’ll probably be getting ready to settle down for the night anyway.
Something as simple as keeping lights turned off can make a huge difference to your energy bill.
Fill Paddling Pools With Cold Water
Is it the weekend and the kids are desperate to get the paddling pool out?!
We all know how persistent children can be, and as parents, we also want to ensure they’re cool on hot summer days.
As much as your kids might tell you the paddling pool needs some kettle water in it, it doesn’t! Simply fill your paddling pool straight out of the cold water tap early in the morning, and let the sun heat it up naturally throughout the day.
Cook in the Garden
Keep the oven switched off this summer!
Everyone loves eating alfresco in the summer, so if you’re lucky enough to have a garden or balcony then make sure you utilise it to the fullest.
You can’t beat a mid-week BBQ, and they will generally cost you much less to run than a conventional oven would.
Or Don’t Cook At All
Don’t have a BBQ or garden? Or maybe you’re just looking for a quick, light, and healthy dinner?
When you’re planning your weekly shop this summer, think about enjoying foods that don’t even need cooking. When it’s warm outside, people often fancy cold meals over hot meals anyway.
Salads, sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and cooked meat can all be enjoyed without the need for cooking. This will save you money, and time, and can be a healthy alternative.
Dry Laundry Outside
Drying your clothes outside in the sun gives you the ultimate fresh laundry feeling. There is no smell quite like it!
You shouldn’t need to use a tumble dryer at all throughout the summer if you schedule your laundry washing days when the weather is going to be nice.
This will help save you money on your electricity bill and will leave you with clothes smelling as fresh as a summer’s day!
Leave the Car at Home
Now the weather’s nice, why not ditch the car on your morning school run or commute to work?
We all know that petrol and diesel prices have gone through the roof recently, so choosing to walk or cycle instead of drive could save you a load of cash!
Not only that, but it’s also much better for the environment and for your health.
Embrace the Outdoors
Rather than sitting in front of the TV at night, get yourself outside!
Time spent walking, riding a bike, playing in the garden, or even reading a book in the garden are great ways to enjoy family time in the evening.
Outdoor activities are much more beneficial to your health and will help save on electricity bills from hours of Netflix being played!
