When it’s hot out, the last thing you want to do is turn off your fan. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective, low-effort ways to keep your home cool and your energy bills under control, without compromising comfort.
Whether you’re working from home, caring for family during the school holidays, or simply trying to get a good night’s sleep, these practical tips will help you stay cool and save money all summer long.
1. Keep the Heat Out
Close curtains or blinds during the day, especially on south-facing windows. Direct sunlight quickly turns a room into a greenhouse, and blocking it can make a noticeable difference.
Tip: Reflective or light-coloured curtains help deflect heat more effectively.
2. Switch to LED Lighting
Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs waste energy and give off heat. Replacing them with LED bulbs reduces electricity use, keeps rooms cooler, and lasts much longer, an easy win for energy efficiency.
3. Limit Oven Use During the Day
Cooking large meals during peak heat warms up your kitchen and surrounding rooms. Opt for lighter, cold meals such as salads or wraps, or use more efficient appliances like microwaves, slow cookers, or air fryers. When possible, take cooking outside and enjoy a barbecue instead.
4. Use Fans Efficiently
You don’t need to stop using your fan, just make it work smarter.
- Position it near a window in the evening to draw in cooler air.
- Place a bowl of ice or a frozen water bottle in front of it for an instant cooling effect.
- Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day, then open them later to release trapped heat.
- For ceiling fans, ensure blades spin counter-clockwise to create a cooling breeze.
5. Unplug Idle Devices
Many appliances continue to draw power and emit heat even when they’re not in use. Chargers, TVs, consoles, and smart speakers all add to your energy costs. Unplug devices when possible, or use a power strip with an on/off switch to disconnect multiple items easily.
6. Run Appliances During Cooler Hours
Washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers produce heat while operating. Running them in the early morning or late evening helps maintain a cooler indoor temperature. If you’re on a time-of-use tariff (such as Economy 7), it may also reduce your energy costs.
Bonus tip: Air-drying clothes instead of tumble drying saves energy and keeps the air cooler indoors.
7. Use Extractor Fans Wisely
Bathroom and kitchen extractor fans help remove warm, humid air, not just odours. Run them during or after showers and cooking, but switch them off once the air feels cooler to prevent them from drawing out cooled air unnecessarily.
8. Wash Clothes at Lower Temperatures
Most laundry cleans effectively at 20°C–30°C, particularly during summer. Lowering your wash temperature reduces the energy needed to heat water, one of the biggest energy demands in most households.
9. Insulate for Summer Comfort
Insulation doesn’t just keep your home warm in winter, it also prevents excess heat entering during summer.
Proper insulation can:
- Reduce temperature build-up in lofts and upper floors
- Keep indoor temperatures more stable
- Help cooled air stay inside for longer
10. Help Your Fridge and Freezer Stay Efficient
In hot weather, your fridge and freezer work harder to maintain low temperatures. Help them run efficiently by:
- Keeping them reasonably full (cold items help stabilise the temperature)
- Cleaning dust from coils or vents at the back
- Ensuring they are away from direct sunlight or heat sources like ovens
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to save on energy costs. Simple actions, such as closing curtains during the day, scheduling appliance use for cooler times, and using fans strategically, can make your home more comfortable and your bills more manageable.
Don’t Forget
If your home still feels too warm or your energy bills are difficult to manage, you could be eligible for free insulation and heating upgrades through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
Check your eligibility now, it’s free and only takes a few minutes.
People Also Asked
Is it cheaper to run a fan or leave the AC on?
Fans are far more energy efficient than air conditioners. A fan uses around 1% of the electricity consumed by an air conditioning unit, meaning you could run a fan all day and still use less energy than 15 minutes of AC.
What runs your electric bill up the most?
Your heating and cooling systems are usually the biggest contributors to household energy costs, accounting for 40–50% of total usage. Poor insulation or inefficient systems can increase this percentage, especially during extreme weather.
What is the caveman method of keeping your house cool?
The “caveman method” involves keeping windows, doors, curtains, and blinds closed during the hottest hours of the day to block out warm air and sunlight. Open them in the evening when temperatures drop to let cooler air circulate.
Which appliance is a real energy drainer?
Appliances that generate heat, such as tumble dryers, dishwashers, and electric ovens, consume the most electricity. Running full loads and using eco settings can help reduce their energy impact.
How can you save electricity while using a fan?
Keep your fan blades clean for maximum airflow and efficiency, and use speed regulators to lower energy use. Always turn fans off in empty rooms, they cool people, not spaces.
Does leaving appliances on standby use electricity?
Yes. Devices left on standby still draw power, often called “phantom load” or “vampire energy.” Switching appliances off at the wall could save the average UK household £60–£80 a year on electricity bills.
What’s the best time of day to use energy in summer?
Using high-energy appliances like washing machines or dishwashers early in the morning or late at night can help reduce demand during peak hours. Some time-of-use tariffs offer cheaper electricity outside of 4–9pm.
Does cooking affect room temperature?
Yes, using ovens and hobs releases heat, which can make your home warmer and increase cooling costs. Try using microwaves, air fryers, or outdoor grills instead to keep indoor temperatures down.
Do energy-efficient light bulbs make a difference in summer?
Definitely. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent ones and produce much less heat, helping rooms stay cooler while cutting electricity costs.
Should I turn off my water heater in summer?
Not completely, but you can lower the temperature or reduce heating hours if your household uses less hot water. Setting your water heater to around 60°C is efficient while still preventing bacteria growth.
Did this advice help?
Help us improve our website. Your feedback will help us give millions of people the information they need.