Experts have issued a warning to everyone who is keeping their fans on at night as temperatures are set to remain high for the rest of the week.
The UK is experiencing a heatwave, with Edinburgh sweltering in 24C on Monday. Many would have found it difficult to have a good rest, opting to keep their fan on overnight to help them cool down.
But as energy bills are set to rise, on top of the 54 per cent price cap to around £3,000 a year, it would be wise to know how much running a fan will cost you. As Essex Live reports, running just one fan through the night during hot weather could add almost £3 a month to your bill - meaning four fans for a typical family would add £12 a month to your energy costs.
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Home energy-saving app Loop has warned that some households could be forking out as much as £270 per month on keeping cool over the summer. Last year, before the price cap was raised, it was estimated people would spend £194 a month during the hot weather. This comes as many people are turning to cooling devices, and Loop has revealed the worst culprits for adding to energy bills during hotter weather.
How much cooling appliances cost on energy bills
- A garden pool heater can cost 56p per hour to run - or £1,649.80 a year.
- An extra fridge could add almost £100 a year to your bill, and air con £1,817.70.
- A fan costs 1p per hour - but that adds up to 9p if you use it through the night for 8/9 hours or £2.92 a month and £35.04 a year.
- A patio heater could cost you 43p per hour to run - or £1,241 a year.
For those lucky enough to own an inflatable swimming pool, you could be looking at an extra £137 for a small 2kw heater. Meanwhile, for appliances such as air conditioning units, fans and extra fridges, Loop has calculated they could add £9 a day to a household’s energy bills. This cost rises to over £13 per day for homes with a swimming pool that uses a pool heater.
Following this, Loop is urging bill payers to monitor their energy use as the weather heats up, reminding them that although the cost of usage per-hour looks low, it will quickly add up while the weather remains hot.
The experts are also urging families to compare what devices are cheaper to run. They warn that using an AC unit to keep cool could cost a whopping 55 times extra more on electric in comparison to the standard fan. Meanwhile, a family of four, each using a 40w fan in their bedroom at night rather than an air conditioning unit, could add £11 per month, or £33 over summer, to the household’s energy bill. For those thinking about plugging in an extra fridge to keep drinks cool over the three months of summer, they can expect an added £25 to bills.
For those looking to escape the heat of the house by going outdoors in the evening, Loop recommends keeping a check on energy use if an outdoor garden or patio heater is switched on if the evening gets chilly. Loop calculations show these could add around £50 to your monthly energy bills if used for four hours a day – and even more if you forget to switch them off.
Steve Buckley, head of data science at Loop, said: “As we see the first patch of warm weather, many of us will be looking for ways to stay cool, but it’s important to consider how much some of this equipment could be adding to your bills.
“At first glance, these costs may not seem that high on an hourly basis, but they can really add up if you’ve got a few devices running or you forget to switch them off. And many households need to do everything they can to lower their energy bills at the moment.
“Monitoring your energy usage on these cooling items by connecting Loop – the energy saving app - to your smart meter is key to making savings. The free Loop Snoop can help you easily identify the culprits draining your energy and adding pounds to your bills.”
Safety tips when using a fan
Meanwhile, consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First is urging consumers to follow its six safety tips on staying cool.
1. DON’T leave your fan on overnight
It may be tempting to keep the cool air flowing as the nights become humid, but households risk putting themselves at risk if a fault occurs with their device while they are sleeping. Always turn your fan off before you go to sleep and ensure you have working smoke alarms in your property.
2. DO purchase your fan from a reputable retailer you know and trust
Purchasing electric fans from online marketplaces could leave you vulnerable to substandard and potentially dangerous imitations which could risk electric shock and fire.
3. DON’T balance your fan on the edge of a surface
Always place your fan on a flat stable surface. If your fan is balanced precariously on the edge of a surface it could tip over, causing the blades to hit the guard and put the motor under additional strain, as well as potentially breaking your fan altogether.
4. DO clear your fan of dust build up
If the vents or the motor build up with dust, there are two risks: one, the motor may be placed under additional strain from the dust and grime, and two, the dust could become a source of ignition if the motor were to overheat. Always clean your vents to ensure your fan works efficiently and is kept in good use. Make sure to unplug your fan and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before opening the guard or attempting to clean the fan.
5. DON’T ignore a buzzing sound
If your fan is giving off a faint buzzing sound it may be a sign of an electrical fault or ‘arcing’ occurring at the plug. Always ensure your fan is plugged in securely, and if you notice any smell of burning or unusual noises, turn it off immediately.
6. DO check your fan for wear and tear
We often keep fans for years, storing them away in the cooler months where damage may occur to cables. Always check your device to ensure the cables are in good condition and that the vents are free from the build up of dust, which can hinder the product’s performance.
Product Safety Engineer of Electrical Safety First, Giuseppe Capanna said: “With temperatures projected to exceed those of Los Angeles, people will look for any option to cool themselves down. It’s important to make sure you don’t risk fires or burns in your bid to stay cool so ensure you follow our essential tips to avoid an accident occurring.
"People should buy their fans from a reputable High Street retailer they know and trust, register the product with the manufacturer and never leave it on whilst asleep or out of the house!”
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