UK Home Energy Cost Saving Tips for Summer 2026

Efficient cooling and ventilation

In the UK, most homes are not designed for air conditioning. That makes passive cooling and good ventilation particularly important.

• Use night cooling: On warm days, keep windows and curtains closed on the sunny side; open windows wide at night when outside temperatures drop.
• Position fans correctly: Use a fan in a window facing outwards in the late evening to pull hot air out, and another to bring cooler air in.
• Avoid inefficient portable AC: Single-hose units can waste energy by dragging warm air in from outside. If you must use one, seal the window gap well.
• Switch off heat sources: Halogen lights, older electronics and ovens all produce heat. Use LED lighting and cook outside or with slow cookers where possible.

Kitchen, laundry and everyday energy savings

• Wash at 30°C: Modern detergents clean well at lower temperatures and use much less electricity.
• Air dry whenever possible: Tumble dryers are among the most expensive appliances to run. In summer, use outdoor lines or indoor airers.
• Match pan size to hob: Using small pans on large rings wastes heat. Put lids on pots to cook faster.
• Use eco and rapid cycles: Dishwashers run more efficiently when full; choose eco modes to save both water and energy.
• Defrost freezers: A frosted freezer works harder and uses more energy. Summer is a good time to empty, defrost and clean.

Smart devices that focus on savings, not gimmicks

• Smart thermostats: Let you control your heating from your phone, set schedules and avoid accidentally leaving heating on.
• Smart radiator valves (TRVs): Heat only the rooms you use regularly and lower temperatures elsewhere.
• Smart plugs: Monitor and schedule high-consumption devices like heaters, dehumidifiers and entertainment systems.
• Usage monitoring apps: Many suppliers now offer detailed usage graphs to help you track savings.

Look for devices with clear UK support, long warranties and compatibility with your current boiler or heating system.

Is home solar worth it in 2026?

Solar PV can still be a strong long-term investment for many UK homeowners, especially if you are at home during the day to use the electricity you generate.

• Summer output is highest: Panels generate most power between April and September.
• Pair with smart usage: Run washing machines, dishwashers and EV charging when the sun is out.
• Export payments: Many suppliers offer payments for excess electricity under Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) style schemes.
• Battery storage: May help you use more of your own generation, depending on prices and your usage profile.

Every home is different. Roof direction, shading, local tariffs and your budget all matter. Use professional, MCS-accredited installers and compare multiple quotes.

Do I still need to worry about energy use in summer?

Yes. While heating is usually off, hot water, appliances, cooking and cooling still add up. Cutting waste in summer keeps your monthly bills stable and makes winter costs easier to manage.

Will turning things off at the wall really make a difference?

For a single device, savings are small. But across a whole home — TVs, consoles, broadband routers, set-top boxes, smart speakers — it can become a meaningful yearly saving, especially over summer when other usage is lower.

Are portable air conditioners worth the running cost?

They can be helpful in very hot spells, but they are far more expensive to run than fans. Use them sparingly, in well-sealed rooms, and turn them off once the temperature is comfortable.

Can renters make meaningful energy savings?

Absolutely. While structural changes may be limited, renters can still optimise hot water settings, improve draught-proofing with temporary products, manage appliance use, use smart plugs and adopt better day-to-day habits.