10 Tips to getting a handle on your energy use in summer

By leveraging the advantages of the summer months, UK businesses can gain better control over their energy usage, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings year-round.

The summer months present a prime opportunity for UK businesses to effectively manage their energy usage. With lower heating demands, extended daylight hours, and optimal conditions for maintenance and renewable energy initiatives, summer provides a unique set of advantages. By capitalising on these benefits, businesses can not only improve energy efficiency but also prepare for the higher demands of winter, ultimately leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable operation.

The summer months are an ideal time for UK businesses to manage their energy usage for several reasons:

  • 1. Hot Water Usage:

    Conduct an audit of hot water usage to understand where and how hot water is being consumed. Identify any areas of excessive or unnecessary use. Lower the temperature settings on water heaters during the summer months. Reducing the temperature by just a few degrees can result in significant energy savings without compromising comfort or hygiene.

  • 2. Air Conditioning and Coolers:

    Set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree higher can save significant energy. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy schedules. Implement zone cooling to cool only the areas in use. Use separate controls for different areas to avoid cooling unoccupied spaces. Check out our deep-dive Air Conditioning and Coolers here.

  • 3. Air Handling:

    Adjust ventilation rates based on occupancy and outdoor weather conditions. Demand-controlled ventilation systems are used to modulate airflow and reduce energy consumption when spaces are unoccupied. Utilise night purge ventilation to cool the building naturally by bringing in cooler outdoor air during the night. This can reduce the load on air conditioning systems during the day.

  • 4. Lower Energy Demand:

    During the summer, there is generally less need for heating, which can be a significant energy expense in colder months. This reduction in heating costs can provide a clearer view of other energy usage patterns, making it easier to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

  • 5. Longer Daylight Hours:

    Extended daylight hours reduce the need for artificial lighting, allowing businesses to save on electricity costs. This natural reduction in energy usage provides a perfect opportunity to analyse and optimise energy consumption habits.

  • 6. Maintenance and Upgrades:

    Summer is an opportune time to perform maintenance on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Regular maintenance ensures these systems run efficiently when they're needed the most, reducing energy waste. Additionally, businesses can schedule energy audits and implement upgrades with minimal disruption.

  • 7. Preparation for Winter:

    By understanding and optimising energy usage during the summer, businesses can be better prepared for the higher energy demands of winter. Implementing energy-saving measures in advance can lead to significant cost savings during the colder months.

  • 8. Renewable Energy Opportunities:

    Summer often provides optimal conditions for renewable energy sources, such as solar power. Businesses can capitalise on this by investing in solar panels or other renewable energy technologies, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering long-term energy costs.

  • 9. Staff Engagement:

    With potentially lower workloads or staff taking holidays, summer can be a good time to engage employees in energy-saving initiatives. Staff can be more receptive to training and participation in energy efficiency programs, fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation.

  • 10. Free Summer Energy Clinic:

    Get some free 1-2-1 energy support with one of our energy experts with a free 15-minute chat and ask an expert. We’re happy to talk about anything energy and carbon.