Simple ways to keep your home cool and lower energy bills this summer

As the sweltering days of summer approach, the quest for a cool and comfortable home becomes a top priority for many. Rising temperatures can turn your living space into an uncomfortable sauna, making it essential to find effective ways to beat the heat.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills, create a relaxing oasis, or simply escape the scorching sun, there are a number of simple strategies and tips to keep your home refreshingly cool during the sizzling summer months.

“We’ve seen both energy bills and temperatures rise across Australia this year, so the prospect of keeping your home cool and comfortable this summer can seem a bit daunting,” CHOICE cooling expert, Chris Barnes says.

“Luckily, there are a number of tips and tricks you can use to keep costs and the temperature down.”

Top tips to keep your home cool this summer:

• Choose your air conditioner’s temperature carefully

According to Barnes, cranking your air conditioner to near arctic temperatures might appear like the perfect solution to escape the heat, but this approach can lead to skyrocketing energy costs and gradual wear and tear on your air conditioner’s motor.

“To get better efficiency from your air conditioner, try and keep the temperature difference to around 8°C. So, on a 32°C day, set your air conditioner to around 24°C. We recommend doing this as each degree cooler adds about 10% to your air con running costs, so overtime that will add up,” Barnes suggests.

“Keeping your air conditioner clean will also ensure it’s more effective at cooling your home. By cleaning the filter regularly and checking that everything is working well, you can ensure your air conditioning lasts all through summer.”

• Rely on fans to beat the heat 

Ceiling and pedestal fans provide an excellent and budget-friendly cooling solution, especially for those who are renting or have budget constraints preventing them from installing air conditioning.

“We found keeping your fan on 24/7 over the summer would only cost a measly $30! Plus, if you use your fan alongside your air conditioning, it will circulate the air more effectively, giving your air con a break and saving you more,” Barnes explains.

• Monitor indoor-outdoor temperatures with a thermometer 

Harnessing the power of the environment is a budget-friendly and energy efficient method to maintain a cool atmosphere in your home.

“We recommend using an indoor-outdoor thermometer to monitor the temperature difference,” Barnes suggests.

“If it’s cooler outside than inside, open up all your doors and windows, and if it’s hotter outside, close everything.”

• Use your dishwasher at night 

For a cooler environment, especially during the warmer months, it’s advisable to operate your dishwasher at night if you have one.

“Dishwashers can generate a lot of heat, so by putting it on before you go to bed, you can avoid dealing with a warmer kitchen throughout the day,” Barnes says.

In the face of rising temperatures and escalating energy bills, staying cool and comfortable at home during the scorching summer months might seem like a daunting task.

However, by adopting these simple yet effective tips, you can beat the heat without compromising your comfort or budget.