Make the most of the warmer weather: Simple ways to reduce your energy use

Here are some easy ways to get started. 

Let the sunshine do the work 

Sunlight is one of the easiest (and free!) ways to warm and brighten your home. 

Open curtains and blinds during the day to let natural warmth and light in, reducing your need for electric lighting. In the evenings, close them again to keep heat inside if temperatures drop 

Switch off the heating - and keep it off 

Spring is a great time to check your heating controls. If you haven’t already, turn your heating off completely while the weather’s warm enough. 

You might also find it helpful to adjust timers and thermostats, so your system isn’t kicking in unnecessarily. Even small changes like this can help cut your energy use without affecting your comfort. 

Keep cool the easy way 

When it warms up, it can be tempting to switch on fans or cooling units - but you might not need to. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural breeze 

• On hot days, close curtains in rooms that get strong direct sunlight to stop heat building up 
• Use fans only when you’re in the room - they cool people, not air, so switching them off when you leave saves energy 

Use appliances more efficiently 

With longer days and warmer temperatures, it’s easier to cut down on energy-hungry household tasks. 

• Dry clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer 
• Wash clothes at 30°C where possible - it’s just as effective for most loads 
• If you’re cooking, try to think of meal ideas that involve using the hob or microwave instead of the oven to avoid heating up your home 

Check for things that waste energy 

Warmer weather makes it easier to spot and sort out simple fixes around the home. 

• Switch off devices at the plug when you’re not using them 
• Defrost your freezer if ice has built up - it helps it run more efficiently 

Make the most of your outside space 

If you have a balcony, garden or shared outdoor area, spring and summer are the perfect time to enjoy it. Spending more time outside naturally means less energy used indoors, whether that's lighting, heating or entertainment systems. 

Making our existing homes more energy efficient 

Investing in energy efficiency is at the heart of Abri’s Net Zero Strategy. By upgrading our existing homes to make them warmer, cosier and cheaper to heat, we’re working to make lives easier, particularly with the cost of living. Adding solar panels on to roofs can slash energy costs for customers and so in the years ahead you’ll see more of our homes having solar PV panels added as a visible sign of this investment. 

Need a hand? We’re here to help 

If you’re worried about your energy bills or think something in your home isn’t working as it should, please get in touch. You can report issues, get advice and manage your home anytime through My Abri.