As heatwaves intensify, households are adopting smarter appliance habits to cut energy bills and extend appliance lifespan during the warmer months, with simple adjustments making a significant difference.
Hot weather does more than strain people; it also pushes domestic appliances harder, with electricity use often climbing during heatwaves. A report on Gandul, drawing on eleconomista.es, says the combination of higher temperatures and heavier summer use can affect both energy bills and appliance wear. Beko Europe’s marketing director in Spain, Manuel Royo, said small daily changes can help preserve performance and extend appliance life without forcing households to alter their routines.
One of the simplest adjustments is to reduce unnecessary use of the fridge and freezer. Keep the door open only as long as needed, avoid placing warm food inside and arrange items so air can move freely. It also helps to keep the appliance away from radiators, ovens or direct sunlight, since a hotter surrounding environment makes the compressor work harder. AEG gives similar advice, recommending routine cleaning of fridge coils and other components to help equipment run more efficiently through the warmer months.
Washing habits matter too. The summer load often rises with beachwear, sports kit and holiday clothing, but energy use can be kept in check by running fuller loads when fabric types allow. The Australian government’s energy guidance says washing in cold water on an eco setting can save a significant amount of energy compared with hot water, while line drying clothes avoids further electricity use altogether. The same logic applies to dishwashing: Petro notes that a dishwasher is generally more efficient than hand washing, provided it is used at full capacity.
Cooking is another area where small changes can make a measurable difference. The Gandul report advises making the most of each oven use, keeping the door closed during cooking and switching the appliance off a few minutes early to take advantage of residual heat. Petro also recommends using a microwave where appropriate, since it typically uses less energy than a stove. In the heat of summer, avoiding the oven during the hottest part of the day can also help keep indoor temperatures down, which in turn reduces the burden on air-conditioning, according to Australia’s energy department.
Maintenance remains crucial. Cleaning the fridge, oven and cooker hood filters, and using self-cleaning programmes where available, can help appliances perform properly. Good ventilation is equally important: appliances should have space around them so heat can dissipate. AEG similarly advises regular cleaning of extractor fan filters and tumble dryer filters, while Cornell Cooperative Extension says ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler and allow households to raise the thermostat slightly without sacrificing comfort. The broader message is simple: in summer, efficiency comes from using appliances less wastefully, not from abandoning them.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
