Brits travelling this summer could be making mistake which will cost them £500

As thousands of UK holidaymakers make the most of the what's left of the summer holidays, from visiting sun-soaked Spanish beaches and the Italian coastline to picturesque retreats in the Scottish Highlands - experts are urging travellers to check one vital setting before locking up.

Whether you're off for a brief city break or a fortnight's holiday abroad, neglecting to tweak your heating or hot water controls before leaving can result in households squandering hundreds of pounds annually on unnecessary energy consumption.

While central heating is seldom required in August, systems like air source heat pumps continue to operate to supply hot water.

If these are left running at full temperature while the house is vacant, they'll carry on working as though the home were occupied, unnecessarily ramping up bills.

Fortunately, David Hensley, a home energy efficiency specialist with over two decades of experience, suggests that a simple adjustment before going on holiday can prevent this waste and help families keep more cash in their wallets.

According to the most recent statistics, the average yearly energy bill for a typical UK household of two to three people is around £1,834, or roughly £153 per month. David, 52, who was consulted by Air To Heat, cautioned failing to adjust heating or hot water settings before travelling could significantly impact these costs.

The expert warned: "Many homeowners leave hot water and heating systems running on their usual schedule while they are away. Over a two-week holiday, that can add between £100 and £500 to annual energy bills, depending on the size of the property and the type of system. It is money that could be saved with a simple adjustment."

The issue arises because hot water tanks and systems continue to heat water, regardless of whether it's being used, unless instructed otherwise. If the settings remain unchanged, the system will persist in heating and reheating water to the set temperature whilst the house is vacant.

Regular trips away throughout the year could easily rack up unnecessary costs amounting to hundreds of pounds for a household. A spokesperson from Air To Heat advises: "Just like checking windows and doors are locked before leaving, adjusting your heating or hot water settings should be part of the holiday checklist.

"Most modern systems have an eco mode or holiday mode which keeps water warm enough to prevent bacteria build-up but avoids unnecessary heating. It is one of the quickest ways to protect your bills."

In addition to squandered energy, there are other hazards associated with leaving heating systems operating at full capacity.

For instance, if storms occur while the household members are absent, a power surge could damage equipment. The energy experts recommend using surge protectors or smart monitoring systems that can notify homeowners of any faults.

Another expert at Air To Heat cautions: "Many people focus on packing and travel plans but forget about the energy use at home while they are away. Taking five minutes to adjust your settings can save hundreds of pounds a year, reduce wear on your equipment and give you peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday."

• Set your system to eco or holiday mode before departure.
• Reduce the hot water temperature if adjustable.
• Program a timer so systems operate only when necessary.
• Inspect outdoor heating units to ensure they’re free of debris, leaves, or stored items.
• Install a surge protector to safeguard against power surges during storms.
• If you'll be away for an extended period, ask someone to check on your property.