6 heatwave mistakes that could be costing you cash

The county’s sweltering through one of its hottest spells in decades, with temperatures set to hit the high 30s in some parts of the country.

Forecasters have warned this week's heatwave could break the UK's June temperature record, while experts say extreme weather is becoming more common.

But while most of us are focused on staying cool, the hot weather could also be quietly draining our bank accounts.

From panic-buying fans to splashing out on takeaways because it's too hot to cook, there are plenty of ways a heatwave can leave you out of pocket.

Here are six costly mistakes to watch out for.

1. Buying a fan after the heatwave starts

Every heatwave seems to follow the same pattern. Temperatures rise, shops sell out of fans and the prices of the ones left suddenly shoot up.

A basic desk fan can cost as little as £10 in spring but may be closer to £20 once demand spikes. Larger pedestal fans often cost between £25 and £50, while portable air conditioning units can set you back £200 or more.

Before paying top price, check discount retailers such as B&M, Home Bargains, Aldi and Lidl. You may also find bargains on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or local selling groups.

If you only need relief for a few days, a bowl of ice placed in front of a fan can make a room feel noticeably cooler without the cost of air conditioning.

2. Living off takeaways because it's too hot to cook

When your kitchen already feels like an oven, it's easy to reach for the takeaway apps.

But convenience comes at a cost.

A family takeaway can easily cost £30 or more. Order a couple each week during a long hot spell and you could spend well over £100 without realising it.

Instead, stock up on foods that don't need much cooking. Think wraps, salads, sandwich fillings, cooked chicken, pasta salads and fruit. Most supermarkets offer plenty of options that cost a fraction of a takeaway.

3. Throwing away food that's gone off

Food goes off much faster during hot weather.

That half-finished pack of burgers left out after a barbecue or groceries sitting in a hot car for an hour could quickly end up in the bin.

With food prices still high, waste can be expensive.

Try planning meals before shopping, only buying what you'll realistically eat and freezing leftovers straight away. A little planning now could stop pounds going in the bin later.

4. Spending a fortune on cold drinks

A bottle of water here, an iced coffee there, an ice cream when you're out with the kids.

It doesn't feel like much at the time, but these purchases quickly add up.

Buying a £3 iced coffee every weekday would cost around £60 over a month.

A reusable water bottle can cost as little as £5 and could save you far more over the summer. Fill it before leaving home and you'll be less tempted to buy drinks on the go.

5. Running energy-hungry appliances all day

Fans, tumble dryers, dishwashers and ovens can all push up your electricity bill during a heatwave.

Many people also unknowingly make their homes hotter by running appliances during the warmest part of the day.

If possible, save washing, drying and cooking for later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Your home should stay cooler and your fan won't have to work quite so hard. You could also take advantage of running appliances during providers ‘free energy schemes’ to maximise your savings.

6. Forgetting about your fridge and freezer

Your fridge works overtime during hot weather.

Every time the door opens, cold air escapes and the appliance has to use more energy to cool itself down again.

Overloading shelves or putting warm food straight into the fridge can also make it work harder.

Making sure your fridge is running efficiently won't slash your bills overnight, but it could help prevent costly food waste and avoid unnecessary energy use.