Smart Ways to Save Energy at Home This Summer

From cooling your home naturally to making smarter appliance choices, small changes can make a big difference to both your carbon footprint and your energy bills. 

Quick summer energy saving checklist

• Open windows early in the morning and late in the evening
• Keep curtains or blinds closed during the warmest part of the day
• Switch off unused appliances during peak heat hours
• Air dry clothes instead of using the tumble dryer
• Use microwaves or air fryers where possible
• Unplug chargers and unused devices before leaving home
• Use eco or holiday mode on suitable appliances
• Schedule EV charging for off-peak hours where possible

Summer energy saving tips for your home

Here are Energia’s top tips to help you stay comfortable, energy-efficient, and cost-conscious this summer.

Sea swim smart: refresh without the energy drain 

• Skip long hot showers and rinse off with cool water where possible 
• Use short bursts on electric showers 
• Let your hair air dry naturally 

Beat the heat - naturally 

• Open windows early morning and late evening 
• Switch off unused appliances during peak heat hours 
• Run washing cycles early and air dry clothes 

Smarter summer entertaining 

• Chill food and drinks in one go 
• Use a cool box outdoors 
• Switch to LED or solar-powered outdoor lighting

Day trips & staycations

• Use smart plugs to control devices 
• Unplug chargers before leaving 
• Schedule EV charging for off-peak hours 

Holiday mode at home

• Switch appliances to eco or holiday mode 
• Turn off immersion heaters 
• Use timers for lighting 

Smart garden habits 

• Water plants early or late 
• Choose solar-powered lighting for paths, patios or garden features
• Check seals in sheds or garages 

Smarter cooking choices

• Use microwaves or air fryers 
• Cook outdoors when possible 
• Batch cook meals 

Optimise water heating

• Set water heaters to around 50°C 
• Take shorter showers 
• Install low-flow showerheads

Track your energy use with a smart meter

Summer routines can change how and when your household uses electricity, from outdoor entertaining and extra laundry to EV charging and time away from home. This is where the benefits of smart meters can make a real difference, giving you clearer insight into when and how electricity is being used.

With smart meter insights, you can see more detailed information about your electricity usage and make more informed choices around when to run appliances, charge an EV or reduce avoidable energy use. For more detail, read Energia’s guide to smart meter installation, its significance and the Energia app.

Make this summer your most energy-efficient yet

Energy efficiency is all about making smarter choices that work for your lifestyle, without compromising your comfort. Be #SummerWise!

FAQs about summer energy saving

How can I save energy at home in summer?

You can save energy at home in summer by keeping your home cool naturally, using appliances efficiently, air drying clothes, reducing standby power and taking shorter showers where possible.

How do I keep my house cool in summer without air conditioning?

Open windows early in the morning and later in the evening, keep curtains or blinds closed during the warmest part of the day, and avoid using heat-generating appliances during peak heat.

Do fans use a lot of electricity?

Fans usually use less electricity than air conditioning, but they should still be used efficiently. Switch fans off when nobody is in the room, as fans cool people rather than empty spaces.

Can a smart meter help me save energy in summer?

A smart meter can help you understand when and how your household uses electricity. This can make it easier to spot usage patterns, adjust habits and manage energy use during summer.