How to Save Money in a Heatwave

15 Simple Ways to Stay Cool Without Spending a Fortune

When temperatures soar, it’s tempting to crank up the fan, buy a portable air conditioner, or spend the day hiding in an air-conditioned shopping centre. But staying cool doesn’t have to mean watching your energy bills shoot up.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your electricity usage, save water, or simply avoid unnecessary spending, there are plenty of clever ways to beat the heat while keeping more money in your pocket.

Here are our favourite money-saving tips for surviving a UK heatwave.

1. Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed

It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the biggest differences you can make.

Direct sunlight streaming through windows quickly turns your home into a greenhouse. Closing curtains, blinds or shutters on sun-facing windows during the hottest part of the day can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures.

Best of all, it costs absolutely nothing.

2. Open Windows at the Right Time

Many people make the mistake of opening every window first thing in the morning and leaving them open all day.

Instead:

• Open windows overnight or early morning while the air is cool.
• Close them once the outside temperature rises above the indoor temperature.
• Reopen them again during the evening.

This simple habit can make your home noticeably cooler without using any electricity.

3. Cook Less

Your oven is basically a giant heater.

During a heatwave, consider:

• salads
• sandwiches
• barbecue meals
• slow cooker meals prepared overnight
• air fryer meals, which generally use less electricity than a full-sized oven

You’ll use less energy and your kitchen won’t become unbearably hot.

4. Dry Clothes Outside

A tumble dryer pumps heat and moisture into your home while using a surprising amount of electricity.

If the weather’s already doing the drying for free, make the most of it.

Your clothes will dry faster and you’ll save money on your electricity bill.

5. Switch Off Appliances You’re Not Using

TVs, games consoles, chargers, computers and kitchen appliances all give off heat, even when they’re sitting on standby.

Turning them off completely:

• reduces unnecessary heat
• cuts electricity usage
• saves money over time

During a heatwave, every little helps.

6. Use Fans Efficiently

Fans are much cheaper to run than portable air conditioners.

To get the most from them:

• only use them in the room you’re in
• switch them off when you leave
• place a bowl of ice or frozen bottles of water in front of the airflow for a simple cooling effect

Remember, fans cool people, not empty rooms.

7. Drink Tap Water

It’s easy to spend a fortune on bottled drinks during hot weather.

Instead:

• keep a reusable bottle in the fridge
• add lemon or cucumber
• freeze bottles overnight to take with you

Tap water costs a tiny fraction of bottled water.

8. Freeze Your Hot Water Bottle

Everyone knows a hot water bottle keeps you warm in winter.

Few people realise it works just as well the other way around.

Fill it with cold water, or freeze it if it’s suitable, wrap it in a towel and place it near your feet while you’re relaxing or sleeping.

It’s far cheaper than cooling an entire room.

9. Avoid Using the Oven During Peak Heat

If you do need to cook, try doing it early in the morning or later in the evening.

This keeps your house cooler and may also be cheaper if you’re on an electricity tariff with off-peak rates.

10. Use Less Water

Heatwaves often bring hosepipe bans and increased water usage, so it’s sensible to be careful with how much water you use.

Simple changes include:

• taking shorter showers
• turning taps off while brushing your teeth
• watering plants early in the morning or later in the evening
• collecting rainwater whenever possible

These small changes can help reduce waste and may save money if you’re on a water meter.

11. Make Ice Lollies Instead of Buying Them

Fruit juice, yoghurt or squash frozen into ice lolly moulds costs far less than buying premium frozen treats.

It’s also a fun activity for children during the school holidays.

12. Spend the Hottest Hours Somewhere Cooler

If your house becomes unbearable, remember that many public buildings are cooler than the average home.

Libraries, shopping centres and some community spaces can offer somewhere cool to spend an hour or two without spending much money.

13. Charge Devices Overnight

Phones, tablets and laptops all generate heat while charging.

Charging them overnight means they aren’t warming your room during the hottest part of the day. You may also benefit from cheaper overnight electricity if you’re on a time-of-use tariff.

14. Plan Free Outdoor Activities

Instead of expensive indoor attractions, enjoy:

• parks
• beaches
• woodland walks
• paddling pools
• picnics

Early mornings and evenings are usually much cooler than the middle of the day.

15. Don’t Rush Out to Buy Air Conditioning

Portable air conditioners can cost hundreds of pounds to buy and significantly more to run than a simple fan.

For many UK homes, improving ventilation, blocking sunlight and reducing indoor heat sources will provide enough comfort without the ongoing running costs.

Final Thoughts

Heatwaves don’t have to send your household budget into meltdown.

Most of the best ways to stay cool are either completely free or cost very little. By making a few small changes, such as using fans wisely, keeping the sun out, drying clothes outdoors and reducing unnecessary electricity use, you can stay comfortable while keeping your energy bills under control.

After all, saving money doesn’t stop just because the sun comes out.