Now that the weather is warming up, it is time to start thinking about how to enjoy your summer while saving energy at the same time. A little time spent preparing now will help prevent needless energy waste and too high fuel bills. After all, the bills should be reducing now that the sun is shining and we can start to spend more time outdoors. Here are some tips to consider
Be window aware
If you are finding your home very warm and need to open the windows to cool things down, make sure you have turned your central heating off first – it seems silly to pay to heat the whole neighbourhood! Open windows and doors to try and get the air flowing through the house or flat before resorting to switching on electric fans or air conditioning units too.
Fan club
Electric fans cool people, not rooms, due to the air chill effect, so turn them off when you leave the room. Take a fan with you into the bathroom to try and cut down on the humidity in the room – this will help reduce the time you need to have your dehumidifier turned on.
Air conditioning awareness
If you do have air conditioning in your home make sure it is serviced regularly so it runs at optimum levels. Never place lamps or TV sets near the thermostat, as this will make the system detect the additional heat and run the cool air for longer than necessary. In fact, turn as many lamps off as you can during hot weather to stop the bulbs generating even more heat. Eat evening meals outside and leave curtains open to allow hot air to escape.
Keep warm air out
Seal any cracks in widows and door to prevent hot air coming in to your home. Where possible, place windows with energy efficient versions. North-facing windows, or those looking out onto a shady area will let less warm air in them windows on the other side of the property.
Safety first
Summer means eating and socialising outdoors, which can often involve barbecues, candles and chimeneas. Stay safe and watchful around naked flames and keep appropriate fire blankets and extinguishers close by, in case flames get out of control. Devise an escape plan and make sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire and dispose of ashes safely.