Brits warned about key mistake before holidays and it could be costing them £500

As thousands of UK holidaymakers seize the last days of the summer holidays, from basking on sun-drenched Spanish beaches and the Italian coastline to idyllic getaways in the Scottish Highlands, experts are advising travellers to check one crucial setting before securing their homes.

Whether you're jetting off for a quick city break or a two-week holiday abroad, forgetting to adjust your heating or hot water controls before departure can lead to households wasting hundreds of pounds each year on unnecessary energy use.

While central heating is rarely needed in August, systems like air source heat pumps continue to function to provide hot water.

If these are left operating at full temperature while the house is empty, they'll keep working as if the home were occupied, unnecessarily inflating bills.

Luckily, David Hensley, a home energy efficiency expert with over 20 years of experience, suggests that a simple tweak before going on holiday can prevent this waste and help families retain more money in their pockets, reports the Mirror.

According to the latest statistics, the average annual 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, warned that failing to adjust heating or hot water settings before travelling could significantly affect these costs.

The expert said: "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 problem occurs because hot water tanks and systems carry on heating water, irrespective of whether it's being utilised, unless told otherwise.

Should the settings stay unaltered, the system will continue heating and reheating water to the designated temperature whilst the house remains empty.

Frequent getaways throughout the year could effortlessly accumulate needless expenses totalling hundreds of pounds for a household.

An Air To Heat spokesperson 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."

Beyond wasted energy, there are additional risks linked with leaving heating systems running at maximum capacity.

For example, should storms strike whilst household members are away, a power surge might harm equipment.

The energy specialists recommend utilising surge protectors or smart monitoring systems that can alert homeowners of any malfunctions. An expert from Air To Heat has warned: "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."

Pre-travel checklist for heating and hot water systems:

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.