Hide message
January 2025
As the Australian summer heats up, keeping your home comfortable often means increased energy usage. However, with a few simple changes, you can stay cool and reduce your energy consumption. These tips are practical, easy to implement, and perfect for households looking to make a difference during the warmer months.
1. Optimise Your Air Conditioner Settings
Set your air conditioner to a temperature between 23°C and 26°C for energy-efficient cooling. Close doors and curtains to keep cool air in the rooms you’re using. Don’t forget to turn off your air conditioner when you leave home to minimise unnecessary energy usage.
2. Maximise Natural Ventilation
Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by switching off your air conditioner and opening windows to let fresh air circulate. This natural cooling method is an excellent way to save energy while keeping your home comfortable.
3. Use the Economy Setting
Many modern air conditioners come with an economy or eco mode. Using this setting reduces energy consumption by moderating the compressor’s activity while keeping your space cool.
4. Make the Most of Solar Power
If you have solar panels, schedule energy-intensive activities like cooling your home or running appliances during the day to maximise your solar energy use. Pre-cooling your home in the afternoon is another effective way to reduce energy needs later in the evening.
5. Seal Draughts for Better Insulation
Warm air can sneak into your home through gaps under doors or around windows, making your cooling system work harder. Adding draught seals or weather strips is a simple and affordable way to improve insulation and reduce energy use.
6. Adjust Your Fridge and Freezer Settings
Keep your fridge set to 3°C–5°C and your freezer at -15°C for optimal energy efficiency. If you have a second fridge that isn’t in use, switch it off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
7. Consider Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning
Reverse-cycle air conditioners are one of the most energy-efficient options for both cooling and heating. Regularly clean the filters to ensure they work effectively, keeping energy usage low while maintaining comfort.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Swap older light bulbs for energy-efficient options like LEDs, which use less power and last longer. Always switch off lights in rooms you’re not using to further reduce energy consumption.
9. Turn Off Appliances at the Wall
Even in standby mode, appliances still draw power. Turn them off at the wall or use a power board to easily manage multiple devices at once.
10. Maintain Your Cooling Systems
Keep your air conditioner running efficiently by regularly cleaning or replacing filters. Consider professional servicing to ensure your system operates at its best, using as little energy as possible.
Reducing your energy usage during summer isn’t just good for the environment—it also helps ease demand on the grid during peak periods. Small changes like sealing draughts or using your air conditioner’s eco mode can significantly lower your household’s overall energy consumption.
