KEEP COOL
How much does it cost to run an air conditioning unit and leave it on overnight?
AS THE WEATHER heats up you may be tempted to turn on your air con unit.
But if you're thinking about activating that switch, you should consider the impact it can have on your energy bills. We explain every thing you need to know.
1
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
Households will be doing what they can to keep cool over the summer months - and that could mean switching on the air con.
Uswitch says how much you have to pay will vary depending on whether you are using a built-in or portable unit.
The price comparison site says a built-in model uses 2.7kilowatts of power an hour - this works out to £38.03 a week based on nine hours of use a day.
Meanwhile, a portable unit uses 1kilowatt of power an hour - or £14.09 a week based on nine hours of use a day.
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Of course, you might not use air con every night or week, but the costs can add up quickly.
If you want to keep cool for less, it's probably worth using a fan instead.
Uswitch says a desktop model costs just 49p to run for a week based on nine hours of use a day.
That's £37.54 cheaper than a built-in air con unit over seven days.
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One top tip is to add a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan to circulate cooler air around the room as well.
Fans that oscillate are best, according to Ovo Energy.
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How else can I keep cool in the heat?
It is important to remember that there are others ways to keep cool without using the air con.
DIY website Family Handyman suggests spraying a sheet with cold water covering a window opening.
The breeze then hits the sheet and passes through the cool, damp fabric, which can reduce the temperature in your home.
You could also try insulated window films which you can stick to your window.
The cheap to purchase alternative can help reduce energy costs alongside offering privacy.
Amazon sells them for just £10.
How to save on your energy bills
SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash.
Shop around - If you're on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals - meaning you'll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.
Switch - When you've found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.
It helps to have the following information - which you can find on your bill - to hand to give the new supplier.
- Your postcode
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading
It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.
It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won't be interrupted in that time.
Another clever hack is to put your bed sheets in the freezer for a few minutes to provide instant relief and lower your body temperature.
The idea behind this method is to simply put your bed sheets into an airtight freezer bag- to avoid them getting soaked- and leave them in your freezer for a couple of minutes.
If your freezer is not big enough to fit your sheets in, another way of staying cool overnight is to pop your pillow cases in there instead.
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Ditching your hairdryer or straighteners for a few days can also really help in keeping your body temperature down.
If you are still looking for inspiration The Sun previously shared nine hacks to stay cool on a budget.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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