5 cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this summer

Summertime, and the living is easy. Until your see your energy bill, that is…

The summer months are finally here – hurray! Think long evenings, weekend picnics, rising temperatures and sun, sun, sun! But it isn’t all fun and games. With the six-week holiday looming, having your little ones around the house day in, day out can mean your bills can skyrocket.

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We tend to worry most about our energy bills during the colder months, but did you know that there are so many actions you can take during summer to reap those financial benefits later on in the year? 

While we might expect higher energy costs in the summer, what with the extra washing and time spent on electronic devices, it’s easy to manage your energy use with a bit of planning and preparation.

Here, leading heating oil supplier, Rix Petroleum, fills us in on their top cost effective tips to cut back on summer energy use!

1. Unplug, unplug, unplug

It’s no secret that electrical appliances left on standby can have a huge drain on your electricity. When not in use, make sure to turn off and unplug all electricals such as TV’s, games consoles and even ovens. Appliances, even when on standby, consume a considerable amount of energy that could be used elsewhere, or even saved! Try using extension cords and power strips – with your appliances all in one place, it’s much easier to simply flick a switch then to work out what’s plugged in where. Similarly, wait until appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, are full before you switch them on – two half loads will use more energy than a full cycle!

2. Take control of your heating and get a free heating oil quote

Choosing the right heating system for your house is necessary when looking to cut down on household costs and upgrading your boiler during summer means you shouldn’t notice any drastic temperature changes.

If your boiler is relatively old, or is expensive to run, why not upgrade to heating oil, a liquid petroleum used for heating, instead? At the moment, it’s the most cost effective heating solution for your home. Using a local heating oil supplier, such as Rix Petroleum, means that you can get your heating oil delivered directly to your door, with minimal effort.

Rix is a family run business who have been supplying heating oil to homes for over 80 years and have a great reputation for delivering excellent customer service. For an instant heating oil quote, or to find out more about their heating oil prices, contact them today!

3. Insulation is key

During the warmer months, it’s easy to forget about keeping your house properly protected from the elements. But hang on, the summer is supposed to be warm, so why are we banging on about insulation? It’s simple – without proper insulation, air will escape from your house. If your home isn’t brand new, the chances are the cold, or warm, air is escaping through window seals, door frames, a poorly insulated attic or other such cracks. Draught-proofing and filling gaps will have a huge impact on both your energy bills and within the house itself!

A well-insulated house is crucial all year round and, in the summer, helps to keep the heat out and the cool air in. Insulating your home is a long-term investment that will pay off no matter the weather. Even if you have existing insulation, if it hasn’t been touched in a while, it might be a good idea to update it, or even improve it by adding extra layers.

4. Make the light choice

Did you know that replacing a single standard bulb with an energy saving alternative can reduce your lighting costs? Lighting is responsible for around 20% of an average household’s energy bill, so simply switching bulbs could have a large impact on your monthly bills. Not only will they help to cut costs, but energy saving bulbs last around 12 times longer than ordinary, meaning less time spent popping to the DIY store when your bulbs have blown, and more time enjoying the sun!

Better yet, why not skip the lights altogether? With the longer nights meaning it’s lighter for much longer, why not open your curtains and relax in the evening sun? It’ll save you money and should put a smile on your face!

5. Get shower savvy

When its super hot outside, opt for a cool shower rather than a hot one, and then reap the benefits! While we know that a hot shower is a tough habit to break, it’s not just your bank account where getting a bit chilly can make a difference. Studies have shown that taking cold showers can help to alleviate depression and relieve pain while washing under cold water is likely to decrease your showering time. It all boils down to this - a short, cool shower will use so much less energy than its warm, yet leisurely, counterpart, helping you to shave money off your water bill! It’s a win-win!