Skip to main content
Australian government - energy made easy: the power to compare

The heat is on… but you can manage it efficiently

16 November 2016

Summer is around the corner and the higher temperatures can bring higher energy bills. But there's no need to go off the boil – here are some tips to help you chill in the heat.

Get shady: close internal blinds during the day to reduce solar gain

Free: Closing windows and curtains will keep out the heat and save on cooling costs. Once the temperature drops, open your home up to the evening breeze.

Window dressing: shade north and west-facing windows with external blinds or vegetation

Low cost: Shade exterior windows (especially north and west-facing ones) with blinds inside. Deciduous trees, bushes or vines outside windows and walls will also provide heat protection in summer.

Just chill: close the door and windows to keep the refrigerated air contained

Free: If using air conditioning, keep doors and windows closed in those rooms to keep the cool air contained.

Easy breezy: use your air conditioning thermostat wisely

Free: If you have an air conditioner, set the temperature between 24 and 26 degrees. Each degree below 24 degrees will consumes around an extra 10% of energy.

Low cost: By buying a programmable thermostat for your air conditioner you can set it to suit your schedule and needs.

Raise the roof: install ceiling insulation

Medium cost: Insulation can be the most practical and cost-effective way to make a house more energy efficient, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

I'm a fan: consider using ceiling fans and pedestal fans

Low cost: These types of fans use only 30 to 40 watts and are a more cost-effective form of electric cooling.

Source: www.energy.gov.au

Last updated on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 2:23 PM