6 ways to reduce summer power bills
Summer can be an expensive time. Holidays, food and drinks, Boxing Day sales, and back-to-school costs – it’s a budget-busting list.
Wouldn’t it be nice to reduce the pressure by saving a few dollars on your power bill? We have six ways to do just that.
1. Adjust the thermostat
South Aussie summers can be brutal and on some days, the aircon is our best friend. About 40 per cent of household energy is used on cooling and heating so it pays to use it wisely. Don’t risk your health but limit the aircon to the hottest of hot days and set the thermostat to the highest level that’s still comfortable. The CSIRO recommends around 26C during the day and 22C when you’re sleeping (each degree lower in summer can add 15 per cent to your power bill). If it’s uncomfortable but not stinking hot, try a pedestal fan instead. Fans cost about two cents an hour to run, and they can make your aircon more effective when used together.
2. Use energy in off-peak times
If you have a smart electricity meter at home, you’re probably on a time-of-use tariff. This means your rate differs according to the time of day you’re using power. In SA, electricity is usually cheaper between 10am and 3pm and between 1am and 6am, so use energy during these times to save money. For example, if you’re home during the day, use your dishwasher, washing machine, or other energy-hungry appliances then instead of during peak times when you’ll pay more.
3. Turn off appliances at the wall
When you switch off your TV, kettle and computer they’re really off, right? Wrong. Many household appliances don’t fully power down and instead go into standby mode. They’re secretly sucking energy while you go about your business – no wonder they’re called ‘vampire appliances’. Year-round, you can save up to $100 annually by turning off or unplugging appliances at the wall or power board. Hint: don’t turn off your fridge or freezer (you’ll thank us later).
4. Insulate and draught-proof your house
Why spend your hard-earned money on aircon when it’s fighting a constant battle with the hot air coming in? During summer, keep windows, doors and curtains closed, and if your living areas face east or west, consider installing an external awning to deflect the worst of the sun’s rays. If your house is full of draughts, we have some ways to deal with them.
Proper insulation is key to improving your home’s energy efficiency. It keeps out the heat during summer and the cold during winter. If it’s been a while since you checked your insulation (or you never have), now might be the time to consult an expert. If you’re doing it yourself with insulation, be sure to follow the safety precautions.
5. Leave the house on hot days
If your house is a sauna despite your best efforts to cool the place, maybe it’s better to head out. Think of all those beautifully cool places around town, such as shopping centres, cinemas, and bowling alleys. Why not take advantage and keep cool on someone else’s dollar? You might also prefer to cool down by splashing around at the local pool or the beach. Just remember to be sun smart or keep your visit to the early morning or the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Ever had fish and chips on the sand while the sun sets? Magic.
6. Shop around
A staggering 79 per cent of residential customers could be paying less for their electricity, according to a recent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report. Understanding your energy plan can be confusing but it’s worth the time to get to know it better and shop around to make sure you have a plan to suit your needs and budget.