As summer rolls around in the UK, the demand for electricity inevitably increases. The warmer months bring longer days, and the need to keep homes comfortable and powered up becomes more critical. From keeping your home cool to ensuring your appliances are running smoothly, understanding how to manage your electricity usage during the summer months can help you stay comfortable, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener environment.

Here are some essential tips to ensure you’re prepared for the summer season and can manage your electricity use effectively:

1. Cooling Your Home Without Overloading the Grid

The UK is known for its moderate climate, but during particularly hot summers, many households rely on air conditioning, fans, and other cooling devices to stay comfortable. While these appliances are essential during a heatwave, they can also drive up your energy consumption significantly.

Efficiency Tip:
Consider using ceiling fans or portable fans in rooms you frequent the most. Ceiling fans, when set to rotate counterclockwise, circulate cool air effectively without using as much energy as air conditioning units. If air conditioning is a necessity, make sure your unit is well-maintained, with clean filters and properly sealed ducts, to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

Energy-saving hack:
Use blackout curtains or blinds to block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. By preventing solar heat gain, you can reduce the need for air conditioning and keep your home cooler without overworking your cooling appliances.

2. Maximise Daylight, Minimise Lighting Needs

In the summer, the UK enjoys longer daylight hours. However, we still find ourselves reaching for lights earlier than necessary, particularly in the evening. This can cause unnecessary energy consumption.

Efficiency Tip:
Take advantage of the extended daylight by keeping your curtains open during the day. If possible, switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs in your home, as they consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Also, consider setting timers on your outdoor lighting, ensuring they only come on when it gets dark.

Natural light hack:
Position your work desk or reading nook near a window to take advantage of natural light, thus reducing your reliance on electric lights throughout the day.

3. Solar Power: A Sustainable Summer Solution

One of the best ways to reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint is to harness the power of the sun. Solar panels can be especially efficient in the summer, when sunlight is abundant, and the energy generated can power your home or be fed back into the grid for credit.

Efficiency Tip:
If you haven’t already, consider installing solar panels on your roof. For homes with good sun exposure, this can be a wise investment. Additionally, you can pair solar panels with battery storage to save excess energy for use during the evening, reducing your reliance on grid power when energy demand peaks.

Solar power advantage:
The UK government offers incentives for homeowners who install solar panels, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for surplus electricity generated.

4. Energy-Efficient Appliances Are Key

In the summer, household appliances such as fridges, freezers, and washing machines often work overtime. With all the barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities, it’s essential to keep these appliances running efficiently to avoid increased electricity consumption.

Efficiency Tip:
When purchasing new appliances, look for models that are A-rated or better for energy efficiency. Modern fridges and freezers use significantly less power than older models, and washing machines that operate at lower temperatures can help cut down your energy usage.

Washing tip:
Use your washing machine during off-peak hours, which is typically in the evening or early morning, to reduce the strain on the grid and take advantage of lower electricity rates if you’re on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff.

5. Electronics and Standby Power: The Hidden Energy Drainers

Summer often brings an increase in electronics usage, whether it’s for entertaining guests with music, watching films on a hot evening, or gaming. Many of these devices, however, draw power even when they’re in standby mode.

Efficiency Tip:
Unplug devices like televisions, computers, and game consoles when they’re not in use to prevent "phantom" energy consumption. Alternatively, invest in a power strip with an on/off switch to easily disconnect multiple devices at once.

Appliance hack:
Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances that automatically enter energy-saving modes when not in active use, reducing unnecessary power consumption.

6. Electric Vehicles: Charging Considerations

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK, charging them efficiently during the summer months is an essential consideration. It’s important to charge your EV during off-peak hours to avoid overloading the grid and to make the most of cheaper electricity rates.

Efficiency Tip:
Take advantage of time-of-use tariffs and set your EV to charge at night when demand for electricity is lower. You can also use solar energy to power your EV by installing a home charging point linked to your solar system.