Summer energy saving tips

Give hard-working appliances a summer service

In summer, appliances such as your fridge, extractor fan and tumble dryer may be under increased demand due to warmer weather. You may also find yourself using appliances such as air conditioners or air purifiers more frequently. Show your appliances some love by cleaning freestanding fridge coils, emptying tumble dryer filters and washing extractor fan filters regularly. This can help your appliances run more efficiently.

Tips on how to clean these parts specifically:

  • To clean your freestanding fridge and fridge freezer coils, first remove the plug, then locate its coils and remove any dust. You should also clean the surrounding areas before reassembling and plugging back in.
  • For extractor fans, ensure the power is switched off before removing the filter, which may be clipped or screwed into place. The filter can be soaked in warm water with washing-up liquid and gently scrubbed, then left to dry fully before refitting.
  • For tumble dryer filters, take it out the machine before rinsing under warm water to help to remove any residue, and let it fully dry before putting it back in.

Consider skipping the dishwasher drying cycle

Summer is a great time of year to let your dishwasher do the cooling. You might even choose to use AirDry technology, available across AEG’s dishwashers. With this technology, your dishwasher door automatically opens at the end of the drying phase, and the air is circulated, which can help reduce energy and may limit additional heat in the kitchen  

Make the most of residual oven heat where possible

You may want to consider turning your oven off 5-10 minutes before the end of the cooking time and let the remaining heat finish the job. It’s a simple way to help reduce electricity use when making dishes like traybakes, pasta or roasted veg. Better still, the AEG 8000 Meal Assist with SteamPro includes a residual heat feature, which automatically uses the remaining heat to finish the cooking process, which may help you reduce your energy consumption further without lifting a finger.

Run your appliances at night

Nighttime might just become your new favourite time to tackle chores. Running your appliances at night can be a simple and non-disruptive way to manage energy use during summer months. Energy rates may be lower overnight,[1] and so running appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers (where possible) could result in lower costs. It may also help keep extra heat out of your home during the warmer parts of the day.

[1] Saving Money On Laundry | AEG

Wash cooler for cleaner savings

Turn down the temperature, not the performance. Washing at lower temperatures is another way to lower energy use and save on your bills. Opting for 30°C, instead of 40°C can help reduce energy, without compromising on cleanliness. The AEG AbsoluteWash setting on 9000 AbsoluteCare® Washing Machine is one way you can save money, by cleaning your clothes at 30°C for just 49 minutes,[1] making it easier to try save money without changing your routine.

[1] External test of AbsoluteWash 49 min 30°C programme with 5 kg load shows 100 % stain removal of 59 most common household stains.

Refresh, rather than rewash

In summer, many of us can be tempted to throw our clothes straight into the wash after just one wear. In fact, our research discovered that over two thirds (69%) of Brits say they wash their clothes even when they haven’t worn them![1]

Before throwing lightly worn outfits into a full wash, try a steam refresh cycle on the 7000 ProSteam® 11 kg Washing Machine instead. Refresh settings are designed to reduce odours and creases, while typically using less water than a standard wash cycle. These cycles may also help garments last longer and can contribute to supporting reduced water and energy use, particularly when preparing clothes ahead of a holiday.

[1] AEG - Don't Wash Your Clothes

Wash cooler for cleaner savings

Turn down the temperature, not the performance. Washing at lower temperatures is another way to lower energy use and save on your bills. Opting for 30°C, instead of 40°C can help reduce energy, without compromising on cleanliness. The AEG AbsoluteWash setting on 9000 AbsoluteCare® Washing Machine is one way you can save money, by cleaning your clothes at 30°C for just 49 minutes,[1] making it easier to try save money without changing your routine.

[1] External test of AbsoluteWash 49 min 30°C programme with 5 kg load shows 100 % stain removal of 59 most common household stains.

Refresh, rather than rewash

In summer, many of us can be tempted to throw our clothes straight into the wash after just one wear. In fact, our research discovered that over two thirds (69%) of Brits say they wash their clothes even when they haven’t worn them![1]

Before throwing lightly worn outfits into a full wash, try a steam refresh cycle on the 7000 ProSteam® 11 kg Washing Machine instead. Refresh settings are designed to reduce odours and creases, while typically using less water than a standard wash cycle. These cycles may also help garments last longer and can contribute to supporting reduced water and energy use, particularly when preparing clothes ahead of a holiday.

[1] AEG - Don't Wash Your Clothes

Carry winter habits into summer, and keep your home insulated

In the winter, good insulation can help reduce heat loss, while in the summer, insulation helps prevent heat from entering the home! A simple step could be to keep your blinds and curtains closed at the hottest time of the day. In winter, this can help keep heat in, but in summer it helps keep heat out, and lessen reliance on use of fans and air conditioners.

Try to wash clothes when you have a full load

Make every wash count this summer. Washing machines can use a similar amount of energy regardless of load size, so waiting until you have a full load can be more efficient. You reduce the number of cycles needed, helping to limit energy use, and potentially reduce costs. It’s a simple habit that may help you manage energy use over summer months.

Check your fridge at the recommended temperature

Keep your cool, without overdoing it. To help reduce energy consumption, AEG recommends keeping your fridge between 3-5°C and your freezer at -18°C, these temperatures are generally suitable for food storage and having it any colder may use up more energy. AEG fridge freezers such as the 7000 GreenZone Integrated Fridge Freezer has DynamicAir technology, which aims to keep each shelf is evenly chilled, helping to maintain a constant airflow, and a stable temperature throughout the fridge.

Check your fridge seal this summer with a simple cling film test  

A quick kitchen test could help keep your fridge running efficiently this summer. Try the ‘cling film test’:

  • Place a strip of it half inside and half outside the fridge, then close the door.
  • If it slides out easily or falls free, then that section of your fridge is not sealed.
  • A loose seal can allow cold air to escape, and warm air to enter, meaning your fridge may be using more energy to maintain a steady internal temperature.