GAS-GUZZLING appliances could be adding hundreds of pounds to your energy bills this summer.
But there are simple changes you can make to reduce the cost and save some much-needed cash.
1
Some household appliances are driving up your bills more than others, so it pays to know which ones.
Below are appliances that you might want to reconsider using (or using less) while it’s still warm outside.
They could be adding £380 to your bills in total, according to experts.
Air conditioner
Will Davies, chief executive officer of home and commercial property company ASPECT, said: “Air conditioners are one of the most significant contributors to high summer energy bills.
“They can account for a large portion of your electricity consumption.
“If possible, set your thermostat to a higher temperature or use fans instead.”
Potential savings: £50 to £150 per month, depending on usage and efficiency.
Electric oven
Will also said that if you have an electric oven, be mindful of its cost.
Most read in Money
“Cooking with the oven generates a lot of heat, which can further increase your cooling costs,” he said.
“Try using alternative cooking methods such as grilling or using a slow cooker.”
He reckons households could spend an extra £10 to £30 per month by using it too much.
Fans
Doctor Steve Buckley, head of data science at Loop, said households who have a fan on every night during summer could add £3 to their bills each month.
It might not seem like much but it could add up, especially if you’re making use of other appliances.
He said: “A family of four each using a 35W fan in their bedroom at night could add almost £3 per month to their energy bill and £70 more if using an air-conditioning unit.”
Clothes dryer
ASPECT’s Will added that clothes dryers – and not electric ones – can add more to your bills.
Ie said people could knock off £15 to £15 a month by opting to dry their washing outside.
“Your clothes dryer generates heat, making your air conditioner work harder to keep the house cool,” he added.
Incandescent light bulbs
Will also said: “Incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat and consume more energy than LED or CFL bulbs.”
Incandescent bulbs are often cheaper but are known to last less than LED bulbs.
Will suggested households switch to energy-efficient lighting to reduce both their cooling and lighting costs – you could be spending an extra £5 to £10 if you don’t.
Standby mode electronics
Leaving things like Xbox’s or Play Stations on when they aren’t in use could be costing you more than you think, even if it’s £5 to £10 more.
Will said: “Many electronics consume power even when not in use.
“Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, and other devices when they are not needed.”
Pool pump
Another appliance that will most likely only come out in the summer is a pool pump.
But Will said that you could save between £20 and £50 a month by reducing its use.
“If you have a swimming pool, the pool pump can be a significant energy drain.
“Consider reducing the running time or investing in a more energy-efficient pump.”
Extra fridge
If you’re a fan of a big BBQ or summer party then you might have an extra fridge for keeping those drinks cool, but make sure you’re aware of extra costs.
Will explained: “Lugging in an extra fridge to keep drinks cool over the three months from July to September can also add over £30 to bills.”
Desktop computers
Will said: “Desktop computers consume more power than laptops.”
These could be adding an unwanted £5 to £10 a month to your energy bills.
“If you have a desktop, try using a laptop during the summer when possible,” he added.
Patio heater
Loop’s Steve added that patio heaters can also add extra cash to your bills.
He said: “As the weather heats up, many of us will be looking for ways to stay cool, but it’s important to consider how much these appliances could be adding to your bills.
“At first glance, these costs may not seem that high on an hourly basis, but they can easily add up if you’ve got a few devices running or if you forget to switch them off.
“Monitoring your energy usage by using a free energy-saving smart meter app like Loop is key to making savings.”
Steve explained that using a patio heater could add around £72 to monthly energy bills if used for only four hours a day – and even more if you forget to switch it off.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
