Before you crank up the air con to stay cool during the hot Aussie summer, here are some easy ways you can keep cool while keeping your energy costs down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over summer, the air conditioner<\/a> is probably your first choice when it\u2019s 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<\/a>! 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know that the fan won\u2019t 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\u2019s a good idea to give the filters a good clean or replace them regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The temp you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference to your bill. Even on those super-hot days, it\u2019s best to set your air conditioner to 24\u00b0C or higher<\/a> \u2013 each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy<\/a>. And for even bigger savings, only use your air conditioner when it gets to over 30\u00b0C outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019re cooling \u2013 that way, you\u2019re not wasting energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the day, when the air conditioner is pumping, it\u2019s ideal to keep your windows closed to make sure the cool air doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A single windowpane can gain up to 10 times<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another inexpensive and easy way to keep the sun out is getting some shade cloths for your front or back yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking a holiday can already be an expensive exercise, so why keep paying for things at home that you won\u2019t be using? Before you leave, take a wander around your house and switch off appliances like TVs, toasters and coffee machines at the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. They help you turn switches on and off from wherever you are with your smartphone. Just make sure you\u2019re holidaying somewhere with reception!<\/p>\n\n\n\nBe AC savvy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Make your windows work for you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep the sun’s rays at bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Switch off before you head out<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quick ways to save this summer: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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