Become a fan of fans
Over summer, the air conditioner is probably your first choice when it’s hot outside. While it does a great job of keeping your home cool, it can be very expensive to run – so try using a fan instead. They’re good at cooling specific parts of a room and use a lot less energy. If you’re lucky enough to have ceiling fans installed, one of the best things about them is that they can cost as little as two cents an hour to run! If you’re opting for a pedestal fan, the best place to pop it is near your windows so it can push cool air through your home.
Be AC savvy
We know that the fan won’t always cut it during those long hot days and nights, and the air conditioner is sometimes a must. To make sure your air conditioner is working efficiently and not using more energy that it needs, it’s a good idea to give the filters a good clean or replace them regularly.
The temp you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference to your bill. Even on those super-hot days, it’s best to set your air conditioner to 24°C or higher – each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy. And for even bigger savings, only use your air conditioner when it gets to over 30°C outside.
Not using every room in the house? Set your air conditioner to cool different parts of the house when you need it or alternate the rooms you’re cooling – that way, you’re not wasting energy.
Make your windows work for you
During the day, when the air conditioner is pumping, it’s ideal to keep your windows closed to make sure the cool air doesn’t escape. But at night, when the temp has dropped and there may be a breeze, try opening the window to let the air flow in.
On days where the heat is milder, try opening windows at different ends of the house to create a cross breeze. Better still if those ends aren’t in direct sunlight.
Keep the sun’s rays at bay
As nice as it is to have the sun light up your home, it also increases the temperature – and in the warmer months, this just means your air conditioner must work harder to cool the room.
A single windowpane can gain up to 10 times more heat than the same sized area of uninsulated wall. Luckily, you can reduce the temperature of your home just by using blinds, drapes or window shades to keep the sunlight out . Window coverings with white surfaces facing outdoors will reflect the sun and do an even better job at cooling your room.
Another inexpensive and easy way to keep the sun out is getting some shade cloths for your front or back yard.
Switch off before you head out
Taking a holiday can already be an expensive exercise, so why keep paying for things at home that you won’t be using? Before you leave, take a wander around your house and switch off appliances like TVs, toasters and coffee machines at the wall.
Got a second fridge? Consolidate all your perishables into your main fridge and switch the second one off at the wall too. Then kick back, relax and enjoy your holiday! You could also invest in smart plugs. They help you turn switches on and off from wherever you are with your smartphone. Just make sure you’re holidaying somewhere with reception!
Quick ways to save this summer:
- Opt for a fan over the AC when possible.
- Position your fan near the window to circulate cool air.
- Keep your air conditioner to 24°C degrees or more.
- Only use the AC in rooms that you’re using.
- Keep your doors and windows closed during the day.
- Open your windows at night to let the cool air inside.
- Use blinds, drapes and curtains to keep sunlight from heating the house.
- Use the BBQ instead of the stove or oven when you can.
- Hang your clothes on the line to dry and avoid using the clothes dryer.
- Having friends over in the evening? Entertain outside when it’s cooler.
- Going away? Turn off appliances you don’t need or install smart plugs.
- Take advantage of summer by spending your weekends at the local pool, the beach or head out for an ice-cream date.
