How to stay cool without burning through your budget

Temperatures are soaring, with parts of England expected to hit 29°C today - the hottest day of the year so far.

But when the sun comes out, it’s not just the heat that rises, your spending can too. From BBQs and iced coffees to fans and impromptu day trips, a bit of sunshine can quickly lead to unplanned costs. In fact, the average Brit spends an extra £59 during a heatwave.

If you’re already feeling the pinch, those sunny-day splurges can add up fast. The good news? There are plenty of easy, low-cost ways to stay cool without letting the heat drain your wallet.

Here are our top tips to help you keep your cool for less today:

1. Unplug appliances you’re not using

Even when they’re on standby, devices like TVs, routers, printers and microwaves continue to use power and give off heat, raising your indoor temperature and adding to your electricity bill. Switching them off at the plug stops this waste and reduces your need for fans or cooling devices.
Potential saving: £30–£50 a year

2. Switch to LED bulbs

Halogen and incandescent bulbs waste most of their energy as heat. If you still have these types of bulbs in your home, now’s the time to upgrade. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and stay cool to the touch, helping keep rooms more comfortable. They also last much longer.
Potential saving: £7–£10 per bulb, per year

3. Cool your pulse points

Instead of trying to cool the whole house, focus on your body. Placing something cold, like a damp flannel from the fridge or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel, on your wrists, neck or ankles helps bring your body temperature down fast. This is especially useful at night, when running fans can push up your electricity bill.
Potential saving: £10+ a month if you reduce fan use

4. Use free air-conditioned spaces

On really hot afternoons, consider heading to a library, museum or community centre. These public buildings are often air-conditioned and offer a cool, quiet place to relax - at no cost. You’ll save money on electricity and avoid impulse purchases you might make if you went to a café or shopping centre instead.
Potential saving: £5–£15 per visit

5. Put your fan in the freezer for a quick boost

If it’s small enough and safe to do so, putting your portable fan in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before use can help it blow much colder air for a short time. This cooling hack means you can run your fan for less time or use it on a lower setting.
Potential saving: 20–30p per day on energy

6. Shut curtains or blinds on sunny windows

One of the easiest ways to reduce indoor temperatures is to block out direct sunlight. Keep curtains or blinds closed on south and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Blackout or thermal-lined curtains work best, but even light-coloured ones help. This reduces the need for fans or air conditioning.
Potential saving: £1–£2 per week in reduced cooling costs

7. Cook in the morning or prep no-cook meals

Ovens and hobs pump out heat that lingers in your home. Try batch cooking early in the morning when it’s cooler or make no-cook meals like pasta salads, wraps or couscous. Not only will you avoid heating up the kitchen, you’re also less likely to give in to an expensive takeaway.
Potential saving: £10–£20 per week if it replaces takeaways

8. Skip the tumble dryer

Tumble dryers use lots of energy and create excess heat. Drying clothes outdoors or near an open window keeps your home cooler and saves a significant amount on your energy bill, especially if you do multiple loads a week.
Potential saving: £1.50 per load

9. Charge devices overnight if you have off-peak electricity

If you’re on a time-of-use tariff like Economy 7, your electricity is cheaper during the night. Charging phones, tablets, and even portable fans or power banks overnight means you’re using lower-rate electricity and generating less heat during the hottest part of the day.
Potential saving: £5–£10 a month for a household with several devices

10. Keep a jug of cold tap water in the fridge

It’s tempting to grab a chilled drink from the shop when you’re out and about, but those £1.20 iced coffees and £1.50 flavoured waters add up. Instead, fill a jug or reusable bottle with cold tap water and keep it in the fridge. Add fruit, cucumber or mint for a refreshing twist.
Potential saving: £35–£45 a month if it replaces one daily shop-bought drink