And finally…Summer heat costing Scots consumers £517

It might not have felt very warm so far this summer but new research has revealed that Scots are still spending an average of £517 each year as a result of the (albeit marginal) rise in temperatures, according to new research.

The findings of TopCashback.co.uk show consumers turn to both immediate and longer-term solutions, spending £59 and £141 respectively, as they look for solutions to the weather by splashing out items like plug-in electric fans (38 per cent), cooling sprays (21 per cent) and ice packs (15 per cent) and (10 per cent) on paddling pools.

The survey found 48 per cent of Scots also say they are prevented from sleeping at this time of year and nearly a third (30 per cent) claim their productivity at work goes down due to a lack of concentration.



A further 13 per cent even become hot-headed as the heat makes them angry and frustrated.

Aware of how the summer months affect them, Scots are also using longer-term fixes, with more than half (53 per cent) stocking up on thinner duvets and 15 per cent on cooling pillows.

Keen to get some fresh air, eight per cent of consumers have bought a plug-in air conditioning unit and six per cent have installed a ceiling fan.

Four per cent have even gone to the length of having a swimming pool built at their home in the hope that a quick dip will refresh them.

The survey of consumers in Scotland also finds that keeping cool is increasing energy bills.

Those who have plug-in and ceiling fans see an average increase of £38 over summer, and those who have installed air conditioning systems or units see their bill jump up by £54. Despite the increases in costs, nearly two fifths (38 per cent) of people are happy for their bills to go up if it results in keeping the temperature down.

In traditional getting-ready-for-summer style, Scots also spend £46 more a month on grooming. And with Instagram feeds full of festival and beach fashion, perhaps it is in a bid to look cool rather than stay cool that Scots consumers are spending, on average, £153 on a new summer wardrobe. Grocery bills also spike by £26 a month during the summer season as consumers opt for fresh, fancy salads over hearty, and often cheaper, warming meals.

Natasha Rachel Smith, Consumer Affairs Editor for TopCashback.co.uk said: “Feeling frustrated by sticky summers is causing Scots to reach for quick fixes. Yet, those summer heat splurges may be frivolous. Our research shows more than a quarter of people in Scotland haven’t used the items they bought to keep cool because temperatures didn’t spike as they expected. Similarly, 24 per cent of people say they’ve purchased products on impulse and an equal number admit they often forget about the items they acquired.

“We always remind our members to be careful with their spending and take the time to think about the items they actually need and will use. Once consumers have decided on the products that work for them, there are often discounts, voucher codes and cashback deals to bring down costs.”

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