How to keep your energy costs down during summer

With summer fast approaching, Australians are bracing for higher energy bills. But you can keep costs down. SEE HOW TO SAVE

Cost conscious Australians will turn off their airconditioners and cooling systems this summer to save money on their energy bills.

As temperatures warm up heading into the hotter months, a new report compiled by energy provider Powershop found 56 per cent of Australians said they would consider using airconditioning less or not at all during summer.

Powershop interim chief executive officer Catherine Anderson said the results proved Australians “were getting more engaged with their energy bills than they have previously”.

“We want people to be careful over summer and if you need to stay cool you need to do that,” she said.

Energy boss admits bills are hard to understand

The warmer weather often results in higher energy bills but they are ways to keep your cost down this summer.

“Almost 60 per cent of people are already using tricks to keep their power bills low.

“This includes keeping the house dark and the blinds down during the day, turning appliances off at the wall and staying cool by doing things like going to shopping centres.”

Separate research from energy giant Origin found an old airconditioner could cost up to $470 more a year to run compared with investing in a newer model.

And cooling only a section of the home could save between $400 and $1500 annually.

Origin’s general manager of customer care, Jan Prichard, said one of the biggest mistakes Australians made was setting their airconditioner on too low a temperature on a sweltering day.

“The recommended temperature for comfort is 24C with every degree below that adding between 5 to 10 per cent to your energy use,” she said.

“Customers should always consider the energy efficiency rating when purchasing a new airconditioner.”

Using a ceiling fan helps to reduce power costs.

Ms Prichard warned while portable airconditioners could be cheaper to buy, they could cost anywhere between $152 and $550 per year more to run than a quality split system or ducted unit.

“Reverse-cycle airconditioners are up to four times more energy efficient than portable units and have the added benefit of keeping you warm over winter,” she said.

Using ceiling fans instead of airconditioning on days when temperatures are between 28C and 30C could save between $38 and $153 annually.

The Powershop research found 80 per cent of people were worried about their bills this summer and 23 per cent were considering switching retailers.

Households should also review the frequency of their power bills – receiving them monthly instead of quarterly could help keep a better handle on costs.

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KEEP COOL AND LOWER COSTS

• Keep your blinds down and curtains closed
• Cover or seal gaps in doors and windows

• Shade the outside of your home with blinds, wide eaves, fences, louvres and plants or trees

• Use ceiling fans instead of cooling systems

• Keep your air conditioner set to 24 degrees

• Have doubled-glazed windows

• Allow a breeze to run through your home

• Only cool the rooms you are using

• Make sure you have good insulation

• Turn appliances off at the wall

Originally published as How to keep your energy costs down during summer