5 summer energy saving tips

For many people, energy saving is a winter worry. But if you start making small changes during the summer, your bank account will thank you come November.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

Young woman smiling putting a coin inside piggy bank as savings for investment

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Energy saving might not be the first thing on your mind right now, especially as you try to enjoy the warm days of summer. But the warmer months are a great time to work on reducing your energy consumption. By the time the more expensive winter months come around, you’ll have a better handle on where to trim expenses.

Boiler Plan has put together five energy-saving tips you can start putting into practice this summer to save money all year long.

1. Turn your boiler on during the summer

We know – it seems crazy to have the heat on, even for a few minutes, on warmer days. But according to Boiler Plan, not using your boiler for long periods of time can cause it to seize up. At worst, this might end up requiring you to buy a new boiler, which can cost up to £3,600.

Just turning yours on for 10 to 15 minutes every week should be enough to keep it running smoothly all year long. While turning on your boiler won’t necessarily save you money right away, it can certainly do just that in the long run.

2. Take advantage of solar power for maximum energy saving

Powering your entire property with solar panels might be too big an investment. But that doesn’t mean you cannot take advantage of energy-saving solar power in smaller ways.

Solar-powered garden or window lights are an easy way to save a few pennies on your electric bill. You can also buy phone chargers, battery chargers and security cameras that operate on solar power.

3. Move your fridge away from direct sunlight

“This may sound odd, but you need to make sure your fridge and freezers aren’t in areas with direct sunlight or in a room that gets very hot – then they don’t have to work so hard, and therefore you’re saving on your bills”, according to Boiler Plan.

If moving them isn’t possible, get some nice, thick curtains to cover your kitchen windows and keep the sun out. For some added energy-saving power, make sure your freezer is full. A half-empty freezer actually has to work harder to keep the temperature down. Instead, Boiler Plans recommends stocking up on plenty of ice cream over the summer. 

4. Cut your shower down by just one minute

A single minute under the shower uses up an average of 13 litres of water. Shower for one minute less and you’ll be saving a significant amount of energy and money. You can also increase the savings by turning the water temperature down just a couple of degrees.

If you tend to lose track of time once you get in the shower, use your kitchen timer. Just set it for five or six minutes and be ready to get out once it goes off. Or pick a song you love that’s the right length. Once the music is up, so is your shower. 

5. Maximise airflow any way you can

If it’s cooler (or even the same temperature) outside than inside, open all your windows. The airflow will cool down the entire property without costing you anything. If the air outside is cool, you can also place a small fan in front of the window facing in to push some of that fresh air inside faster.

Boiler Plan also recommends turning your fans anti-clockwise. “If you have ceiling fans, a good idea is to turn your fan anti-clockwise, which pushes air downward and creates a stronger draft – keeping you cooler for longer.”  

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »