Top energy saving tips for summer
When summer arrives, many households expect their energy bills to fall as heating use drops. But warmer weather often brings different energy habits, more laundry, fans running all day, extra appliance use, and higher water consumption.
The good news? A few simple changes can help you reduce electricity use, lower bills, and improve energy efficiency throughout the warmer months.
Here are some of the best summer energy saving tips for UK households.
1. Dry clothes outdoors instead of using a tumble dryer
Summer is the perfect time to avoid the tumble dryer.
Line drying clothes outdoors or using indoor drying racks can save a household around £50 or more per year, depending on usage. Tumble dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in many homes.
Even on cloudy days, outdoor drying is often faster than people expect.
2. Use appliances outside peak electricity hours
If you have a smart tariff, running appliances during cheaper periods can reduce costs.
Try scheduling:
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• EV charging
• Battery charging systems
Using energy when demand is lower also helps the electricity grid make better use of renewable energy.
3. Turn appliances fully off instead of leaving them on standby
Standby mode still consumes electricity.
Televisions, game consoles, chargers and kitchen appliances can quietly add unnecessary costs over time.
Turning devices off at the plug when not in use may seem small, but these savings accumulate across the year.
4. Keep curtains and blinds closed during hot afternoons
It sounds simple, but blocking direct sunlight helps keep indoor temperatures cooler.
This reduces reliance on:
• Electric fans
• Portable air conditioning units
• Cooling devices
Preventing heat from entering is often more efficient than cooling a room afterwards.
5. Switch to LED lighting
Longer daylight hours mean lights are used less in summer, making it a good time to replace older bulbs.
LED bulbs:
• Use significantly less electricity
• Last much longer
• Produce less excess heat
Replacing outdated incandescent bulbs remains one of the easiest energy-saving upgrades.
6. Make the most of natural ventilation
Opening windows during cooler morning and evening periods can improve airflow naturally.
Cross-ventilation helps maintain comfortable temperatures without additional electricity use.
7. Reduce hot water consumption
Heating water contributes substantially to household energy bills.
Simple changes include:
• Shorter showers
• Washing clothes at lower temperatures
• Using eco settings on appliances
Many modern detergents work effectively at 30°C.
8. Keep fridges and freezers efficient
Hot weather makes refrigeration systems work harder.
To improve efficiency:
• Avoid leaving fridge doors open
• Defrost freezers regularly
• Ensure appliances have ventilation space behind them
Even small maintenance steps help reduce energy consumption.
9. Consider solar energy or battery storage
Summer offers peak solar generation opportunities.
Households with solar panels can often offset electricity use, while battery systems allow excess energy to be stored for later.
As energy prices remain unpredictable, home generation is becoming increasingly attractive.
10. Monitor your energy use regularly
The biggest savings often come from understanding where energy is actually being used.
Smart meter data can reveal:
• Peak consumption periods
• High-cost appliances
• Unexpected spikes in usage
• Opportunities to improve efficiency
Understanding your habits is often the first step towards lower bills.
Small changes can make a big difference
With wholesale energy markets still volatile and future price rises remaining possible, reducing unnecessary energy use matters more than ever.
SmartGen analyses your live smart meter data to show exactly where you're overspending, helping you identify practical ways to improve efficiency and reduce bills all year round.
If you want to take control of your energy use this summer, download SmartGen on the App Store.
