As the days become hotter, people are slipping into summer mode but there’s some ways you could be accidentally cranking up your utility bills without even realising it. There are some warm weather habits that could be secretly causing a spike in your bills but luckily experts have shared how to look out for these.
You might think bills are more expensive in the winter which seems more obvious but in summer many don’t notice the costs creeping up as the temperature rises. Heatwave habits such as air conditioning, extra laundry loads and watering plants could be costing you extra. Gamblizard found that Google searches for “how to save energy at home” have skyrocketed 367% in just the past month, as many are feeling the pressure.
Endless laundry loads could mean you’re paying more, says Jamie Wall, Personal finance strategist at Gamblizard.
“The heat means more outfit changes,” Wall says. “Each of those quick laundry loads can really increase your energy and water bills.”
“Each load of laundry costs around £0.40–£0.80 in energy and water — cutting just 2 loads a week lowers costs by £80+ a year,” he explains.
“Try hanging clothes outside to air-dry, instead of washing them after just one wear. You can also freshen them up with a quick spray of fabric refresher or use the ‘refresh’ setting on your dryer rather than washing them. Less laundry means less detergent and fewer loads,” he adds.
Air conditioning is another way you could be racking up costs.
“Hot weather makes an excuse to keep the AC running all day, which can seriously increase your electric bill,” he says.
“Instead of turning your room into a fridge, set your thermostat to a higher temperature (25–26°C is ideal when you’re in your living space).”
He recommends using a thermostat to adjust temperature automatically if you’re out which can cut cooling costs from up to 15% annually.
If you have plants that you have been watering more, this will increase water consumption.
“To cut up to 30–50% of outdoor water use, try watering in the morning or evening when the heat is not as intense,” he explains.
“You can also install a drip irrigation system or a timer to water more efficiently and economically,” he adds.
By bearing these key areas in mind, you can become more conscious of how you might be spending more money on bills without realising it.