American statesman Benjamin Franklin once wrote that death and taxes were the only two certainties in life. If he were still with us, he’d probably add a third – electricity bills.

We can’t help with the first two, but you can save energy and money with these 20 tips.

1. Switch off

Switch off unused appliances at the wall. They’re secretly using energy, even in standby mode, so unplug appliances such as TVs, microwaves and gaming consoles when they’re not being used.

2. Upgrade your pump

If you have a pool, upgrade to a more energy-efficient pump, particularly if it’s getting a bit old. Look for one with dual, multi or variable speeds and run it outside of peak hours if possible.

3. Cold wash

Most laundry detergents work just as well – if not better – in cold water. Wash your clothes on the cold setting where possible; as a bonus, you’re less likely to shrink them or dull their colours.

4. Shorter showers

Hot water is a big energy hog, so try to limit your showers to four minutes and install low-flow shower heads. With some models, you wouldn’t even know they’re low flow.

5. Solar savings

If your bills are soaring, consider whether a rooftop solar system (with or without battery) is right for your circumstances. RAA provides free quotes and members can save 10 per cent.

6. Don’t overboil

Don’t overfill the kettle before you boil water. Only add the amount you need; and if you’re making a nice cuppa for one, don’t fill the kettle past the minimum level indicator.

7. Energy ratings

When buying a new appliance, choose one with the highest number of stars on its Energy Rating Label. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is compared to similar products.

8. Dryer limits

Drying your clothes in the open air is free (and quick in summer), so avoid overusing your dryer. Try to limit the dryer to items you need quickly or that take longer to dry, such as bedding and towels.

9. Seal the gaps

Keep the hot air out in summer and the warm air inside in winter by stopping draughts. Seal gaps around doors, skirting boards, floors and windows and use door snakes where you can.

10. Thermostat tweaks

Heating and cooling contribute about 40 per cent to your electricity bill. In summer, set the thermostat between 23C and 26C and in winter between 18C and 20C. Each degree either way can increase your bill by about 15 per cent.

11. Rug up inside

When it’s cold, reach for a jumper instead of the heater’s on switch. Dress warmer inside and you can turn the heating down or off. At night, use thicker bedding instead of having the heater on while you sleep.

12. Dishwasher demeanour

Run your dishwasher with a full load. See if eco-mode will wash the dishes to your satisfaction or let them air dry with the door slightly ajar.

13. Fridge efficiency

Buy a suitably sized fridge for your space and needs. For maximum efficiency, it needs a gap around the sides, back and top of between 5cm and 8cm and should be about 80 per cent full. Ditch the drinks fridge if you don’t need it – it’s probably costing you a small fortune to run.

14. Tariff timing

If your electricity contract has a time-of-use tariff, use energy outside peak times. It’s typically cheaper to run appliances, like your washing machine or dishwasher, during the shoulder (10am to 4pm) and off-peak (12am to 6am) periods.

15. Close them up

Use your curtains and blinds to keep heat out, or in. In summer, up to 30 per cent of unwanted heat can enter through windows, so your air-conditioner will have to work harder to keep the house cool.

16. Insulation ideas

Insulation in your roof and walls helps keep in the heat in winter and out in summer and generally has a 15 to 20-year life span. Have someone inspect your insulation thoroughly and replace any that’s wet, dirty, dusty or compressed.

17. Meal methods

Avoid using the oven where possible, especially if you’re cooking something small. Microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers are a considerably more energy-efficient way to cook or reheat your meal.

18. LED logic

Install light emitting diode (LED) bulbs or downlights. They use about 75 per cent less energy than halogen light bulbs and last much longer.

19. Fan philosophies

Ceiling and pedestal fans can cost peanuts to run and may be enough to cool you down. You can also use them with your air-conditioner to make it work more efficiently.

20. Shop around

Don’t assume your current energy contract is the best you’ll find. In 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that 79 per cent of residential customers could be paying less for their electricity. So, jump online or pick up the phone to shop around.

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Like all living organisms, ants play a role in our ecosystems. But they belong outside – not scurrying around the kitchen sink or setting up camp in the bathroom.

SA has several species of space-invading ants, including the black house ant, the ghost ant and the coastal brown ant.

Ants aren’t just annoying; they can contaminate your food and even start electrical fires. But you can take steps to prevent them from coming into your house or booting them out if they’ve made themselves at home.

Ants not welcome here

Common to all ants is their ongoing need for water and food, especially sugary and fatty foods. Leave traces of their favourite foods and they might start marching into your house and putting down chemical trails so their mates can join the party.

First, the kitchen. Keep the floors and benches crumb-free and clean up spills immediately. Try lemon and vinegar sprays as they’re natural deterrents and help break up the chemical trails.

Put sweet items, such as sugar, honey and maple syrup, and fatty foods, such as peanut butter (an ant favourite) in an airtight container. Place fried foods, nuts, and meat in the fridge to protect them from ants. Empty your rubbish bin regularly and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

If you feed your dog or cat inside, only give them an amount of food they’ll eat in one go, and if it’s outside, keep the feed bowl well away from the house. If your pet has leftovers (no such thing if you own a golden retriever), surround the feed bowl with a moat to help prevent ants from accessing it.

Get plugging

According to Complete Pest Control, ants can enter your home via cracks and crevices, especially during the warmer months. They can also establish nests in the ceiling or wall cavities before long.

Try to follow the ant trails to see where they’re entering your house. Check doors, windows, walls and any other gaps where they could be or are getting in and seal them. Silicone is ideal for smaller gaps but if you find bigger entry points, you may be able to use an expanding polyurethane spray foam.

Ants are attracted to damp areas, so repair any leaking taps or pipes. They can also nest in mulch and woodpiles so keep them away from your house’s foundations. Another trick is to keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed and at least 30cm from the house – any closer and tree-based ants can build a bridge to gain access.

Eradicate the ‘ten-ants’

When all else fails, it’s time to pull out the big guns. The only way to get rid of ants permanently is to destroy the nest and, depending on the infestation’s severity, a do-it-yourself solution is worth a try first.

You’ll find a variety of ant baits and treatments at your local hardware store or nursery, so try a few to see which works best. Dust and spray-based treatments can be applied directly to the nest; spraying windows and doors with insect sprays can also be done to prevent ants from entering the house. Granular, liquid and gel-based baits attract ants with the aim of destroying the queen and larvae.

If you’re looking for a home remedy, mixing borax with sugar and water to create a paste can be effective. The ants will take the mixture back to the nest and the borax will kill them. If you find the nest outside, pouring boiling water into it can help, but it may only be a temporary solution.

If you’re still having trouble with ant infestations, it may be best to call a pest control company to assess your property and provide a targeted solution.

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Oh, no, the power’s out. No heating or cooling, no Wi-Fi (the horror) and only candles to light the darkness. What about all the food in the fridge and freezer?

Along with the inconvenience, blackouts create health risks because fridge and freezer temperatures slowly rise. Bacteria and other nasties can start to grow and the risk of food poisoning increases. To improve your chances of staying healthy, follow these important steps.

Check the time

When the power goes out, note the time and record how long the outage lasts. The Australian Institute of Food Safety says your food will remain safe in the fridge during an outage for about two hours. If the outage lasts four hours or longer, you’ll need to throw out certain foods, but more on that later.

Generally, the following rules apply.

• If the power was out for less than two hours, you can use or refrigerate the food immediately.
• Between two hours and four hours, use the food immediately but don’t refrigerate.
• If the power was out for more than four hours, you must throw the food out.

If you’re unsure how long the blackout lasted, throwing out the food is the safest option.

During the outage

These tips will help preserve the food in your fridge and freezer while the power’s out.

• Avoid opening your fridge and freezer doors to help the appliance stay colder.
• If there’s space in the freezer, stock it with food from the fridge after two hours.
• If your freezer’s full, use a sealed esky filled with evenly placed ice bricks or frozen gel packs.
• If practical, take your food to a relative or friend and store it in their fridge or freezer.
• If you’re using an electric stove when the power goes out, throw out any partially cooked food if cooking can’t be completed within two hours; if the food was already properly cooked, either eat it within two hours or throw it out.

After the blackout

Thank goodness, the power’s back on. Now that you’re back in the 21^st century, it’s time to carefully check the food items in your fridge and freezer.

Fridge

• Throw out any food – particularly raw meat – that shows any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, a slimy texture or putrid odours, regardless of the length of the blackout.
• Discard potentially hazardous food that’s been in the fridge for four hours or longer. This includes raw and cooked meats, dairy, poultry, seafood, creamy dressings, dips, soft cheeses, leftovers and processed meats, such as ham.
• Refrigerated items such as hard cheeses, salted butter, ketchup, mustard, fruits and vegetables are usually safe to use – regardless of the blackout time – but always err on the side of caution
• Never taste food to check whether it’s safe to eat.

Freezer

Frozen food in a full, properly sealed freezer at minus 15 degrees Celsius or below can keep for up to 48 hours. That time reduces to 24 hours if the freezer is only half full. 

• If the items in your freezer are still frozen hard and have ice crystals on the inside of the packaging, you can refreeze them.
• If any frozen food has signs of freezer burn from being thawed and then refrozen, discard the item.

Planned outage

If an extended outage is scheduled for your area, plan ahead.

• If possible, store your food with friends or relatives before the outage begins.
• Avoid buying food – or consume any that you already have – that needs freezing or refrigeration until your power is back on.
• Set your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings but remove fruit and vegetables from the fridge first to avoid spoilage.
• Have ice bricks or large blocks of ice in the freezer ready to use.
• Put appropriate items from your fridge into the freezer for later use.

Remember, if in doubt throw it out. It might seem wasteful but it’s better than making yourself or others sick.

Note: This article is a guide only. You’ll find plenty more information at SA Health or the Food Safety Information Council.

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SA’s January 2026 heatwave was brutal, but most summers are hot across our state.

When the heatwaves hit, your air-conditioning becomes your best friend. Let’s look at how much it costs to beat the heat.

According to the South Australian Government, heating and cooling your house can account for about 40 per cent of your electricity costs and setting your air-con too low or using it inefficiently will spike your next bill. No surprise. It’s a bit like putting Christmas gifts on your credit card. Nothing to pay now, but a bigger bill later.

But a hot house is not only uncomfortable, it’s potentially harmful if you’re younger, older or have health issues. So, whether your air-con is on day and night or only when it’s necessary, what are the running costs, and how can you save money by using it more efficiently?

How do I calculate running costs?

To work out the hourly cost for any appliance, find out its input power in kilowatts (kW) and the electricity rate you’re paying in cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Then, use the following formula.

Hourly cost = Power (kW) x Rate ($/kWh)

If you’d rather not get out your pencil and paper, this handy online calculator makes it easier. You can also use it to calculate how much your other appliances cost to run. We’ve used this formula to calculate the energy usage of three different air-conditioners: ducted refrigerated, evaporative and split system.

Note: We’ve based these costs on a maximum draw (peak cost) scenario, not an average real-world cost. This is a common and widely accepted method for estimating appliance running costs, used by many government energy calculators. However, an air-con switching off and on intermittently to maintain temperature will use less power on average.

Ducted refrigerated systems are a popular way to cool and heat your house, but they typically use the most energy. Based on a peak rate of 53 cents per kWh, a 12kW ducted refrigerated system costs about $6.36 per hour to run. A 15kW system sees the cost rise to $7.95 per hour, and an 18kW about $9.54.

If we use a shoulder rate of, say, 23 cents per kWh (yes, it can be that much cheaper), those hourly costs drop to $2.76, $3.45 and $4.14 respectively. The shoulder rate typically applies between 10am and 4pm, so it costs significantly less to use electricity during those hours.

Evaporative systems direct hot air through water-soaked pads to cool your home and push it out through an open door or window. They’re generally more energy efficient than refrigerated systems and ideal in SA’s dry heat, but less effective in high humidity. We’ve used the energy input for a typical ducted evaporative system, but you can also buy portable units.

At 53 cents per kWh, a 0.5kW evaporative system costs $0.27 per hour, a 1kW is $0.53 and a 2kW system costs $1.06.

At 23 cents per kWh, those respective hourly costs drop to $0.12, $0.23, and $0.46.

Split system air conditioners are a non-ducted refrigerated system, most effective in smaller spaces. They’re usually energy efficient and many models heat as well as cool rooms.

With a 53 cents per kWh rate, a 3kW split system costs $1.59 per hour to run; a 4kW unit is $2.12 and 5kW is $2.65.

A 23 cents per kWh rate drops those hourly costs to $0.69, $0.92 and $1.15 respectively.

For the exercise above, we used two different rates per kWh but check your latest electricity bill to see what you’re paying. If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, your electricity is likely cheaper during the shoulder and off-peak periods. Contact your retailer if you’re not sure.

Shop around

If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner, speak to a professional first. The heating and cooling capacity and energy consumption are only part of your decision, but you can check the Energy Rating Label online. The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance.

How do I cut my air-con costs?

Try these tips and tricks to make your air-con work more efficiently and cut your electricity bills.

• Set your thermostat between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius during the day and around 22°C at night; each degree lower can add up to 15 per cent to your bill.
• Let your refrigerated air-con run, rather than turning it on and off; if you have a modern unit with an inverter, it will adjust its output efficiently to maintain the temperature.
• Use pedestal or ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air; fans typically cost a few cents an hour to run and make your air-con more efficient.
• Close doors, windows and blinds and use door snakes to keep the hot air out; service or clean your air-con’s filters at least once a year to improve their efficiency.
• Compare your energy plan and be prepared to switch; nearly 80 per cent of residential customers could be paying less for their electricity, according to a 2023 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) report.

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During summer heatwaves, we can head to the beach, hang out in a cool shopping centre or crank up the aircon at home. But our garden plants can’t avoid the sun’s summer rays.

When the temperature soars, there are steps we can take to ensure our gardens survive a summertime heat blast.

1. Magic mulch

Well before the mercury rises, make sure your garden has an adequate layer of mulch, which allows water to penetrate the soil but reduces evaporation.  

2. Water wise

When forecasters predict a scorcher, give your plants a drink in the evening or early morning, so the water can soak into the soil before the blazing sun bakes the ground. If you water in the middle of the day, much of the moisture will be lost to evaporation.

Aim the water at the roots rather than wasting it on foliage. A deep watering is better than a surface splash because it encourages roots to grow deeper in the soil where they’re sheltered from the sun.  

Water lingering in a garden hose in the summer heat can be hot enough to make coffee. If you choose to irrigate when the sun’s up, first squirt the superheated hose water away from any plants so you don’t scold them.

3. Shelter and shade

Sensitive plants may need protection to prevent leaf burn. Erect a temporary shelter or stick a beach umbrella in the ground, but remember to rotate it as the sun moves across the sky.

Pots don’t hold much soil, so it’s important to water potted plants well to ensure they make it through the heat of the day. If possible, move them to a shaded area to relieve some of the heat stress, but try to keep them off hot surfaces like cement.

Remember, while you’re taking care of your gorgeous garden, look after yourself by following the five tenets of skincare – slip, slap, slop, seek and slide.

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Buying a new home is an exciting, and somewhat overwhelming experience. You’ve researched suburbs and you’re about to spend your weekends house hunting, but are you ready to take the plunge and purchase your first home?

Here are five things to consider before you enter the property market.

1. Set a budget

Before you step inside an open house, it’s a good idea to set a budget and if possible, have your loan pre-approved. It will save you time and keep your goals realistic, and you’ll be able to make an offer knowing what you can and can’t afford.

When setting your budget, consider more than just the price of the house. Consider interest rate increases, the bills associated with owning a home, council rates and even the cost of house maintenance.

Will you need to renovate the bathroom or kitchen in the near future? Can you afford dinners out or weekends away on top of monthly repayments? These are just some of the questions you should ask when setting your budget.

2. Create a list of must-haves

What are you looking for in a home? Do you need two bathrooms or is one enough? Maybe you want a large backyard or just a courtyard.

Consider if you need a double garage or maybe one is enough. Whatever you’re looking for in a home, create a definite list of the features your property must have. Take the list with you when searching for homes so you don’t get swept away with unnecessary features and renovations you don’t really need.

3. Choose your location carefully

You probably have a location in mind but it’s crucial to consider what’s personally important to you when choosing where to put down roots. Is it close to public transport?

Are you close to shops? If you have kids, or might in the future, what schools are you zoned for? These are considerations you might want to take into account when house hunting.

4. Get a building inspection

You’ve found your dream home, and your offer has been accepted. Before you sign the contract, you’ll want to know if there are any major faults. It’s wise to organise a building inspection by a reputable builder. They can check for a range of faults and potentially save you thousands of dollars down the track.

For older houses, consider getting separate inspections by skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers and even carpenters. Lastly, don’t forget to get a pest inspection.

5. Organise insurance

Before you sign the purchase contract, you may need to organise insurance. Premiums for home and contents insurance may vary depending on several factors, including location, building materials and even if you have a security system installed. Not all insurance policies are the same, so consider inclusions and exclusions.

Allianz South Australia Insurance Limited ABN 14 007 872 602 AFSL 232525 (Allianz SA) is the insurer and Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited ACN 677 371 274 (RAA) issues this under binder from Allianz SA. RAA do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and underwriting criteria apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). The PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) are available on our website.

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Life is hectic with family and work commitments, meals to cook and your home to clean.

Your wellbeing can get lost in the daily hustle and bustle, but some simple changes can help you live a healthier life.

Diet, sleep, physical activity, and robust mental health are all crucial to our wellbeing. They’re proven to reduce our risk of disease, boost our moods and increase our energy levels. It’s important we listen to our bodies and minds; we can sense when things are awry, and find ways to address any problems.

Here are a few ways you can take some simple steps to help improve your health and wellbeing in 2026.

Nature’s medicine

Getting off the couch or the work-from-home chair is a no-brainer to improve health and fitness. If your budget doesn’t stretch to purchasing a gym membership or expensive exercise equipment, there are other ways to work out.

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recommends adults aged 18–64 do 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity activities, such as brisk walking and gardening, or 75–150 minutes of high-intensity activities, such as jogging and fast cycling (or a combination of both), every week.

Try to spread this across most, if not all, days of the week. Adults aged 65 and older are encouraged to be physically active for 30 minutes each day.

Start small and build as you go. Invest in a good pair of sneakers or dust off the old pushbike in the shed. Go for a walk or a ride and it won’t take long to see improvements to your health.

Chair of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) SA’s Committee of General Practice Dr John Williams says it’s vital to establish the right mindsets and habits.

“Find an activity, however small, and build it into your day,” he says.

“It might be a 30-minute walk or bike ride after work, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or getting off the bus a stop early. The more you move, the better.”

Combine your physical fitness regime with healthy eating. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, grains, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. However, fewer than seven per cent of adults consume a healthy diet, with fewer than five per cent meeting the daily fruit and vegetable requirements, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data from 2022.

“Try following a Mediterranean-style diet – full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy oils,” Dr Williams says.

“Research shows it can help reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.”

Mind over matter

Physical activity positively affects your mental health by releasing mood-boosting brain chemicals like endorphins and serotonin.

We’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to stress-reducing hobbies and habits we can add to our schedules.

Find an activity or two that makes you feel good and allows you to take a break from the busy routines of everyday life. Perhaps it’s meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises. Consider practising mindfulness, where you focus attention on the present moment and accept your thoughts or feelings without trying to change them.

Your wellbeing pursuit might be something creative, such as painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Maybe listening to music, reading, crossword puzzles or volunteering are activities that fill your cup.

We’re all different, so find time to enjoy your favourite activities regularly – your body and mind will thank you for it.

Snooze to win

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It’s a nice sentiment, but our health is much more complicated than quaint proverbs.

At any age, it’s important to have regular health check-ups. Dental check-ups, eye and hearing tests, skin cancer checks, and monitoring your cholesterol, heart, and other vital organs should be part of your personal health regime.

Dr Williams says finding a general practitioner (GP) you’re comfortable with is a crucial part of staying healthy.

“Seeing a GP regularly means they can keep track of your health and provide you with tailored information and treatment,” Dr Williams says.

Having your health checked needn’t be expensive. You may be entitled to free eye checks with your local optometrist or blood pressure checks at a nearby pharmacy.

If you have health insurance, see if you can access free or discounted health checks, such as telehealth appointments or gap-free check-ups at a dentist or physiotherapist within your health insurer’s network.

Note: This is general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

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If you’re anything like me, your brain is already racing thinking about the back-to-school routine.

Balancing kids with life can be tough, but a little preparation and organisation go a long way in taking the edge off.

Here are nine essential tips to ensure mornings aren’t a battle, the house keeps moving and the kids get out the door on time.

1. Weekly food prep

Whether it’s packed lunches or pre-ordered canteen options, look at the week ahead every Sunday.

This ensures you have enough food at home and reduces the chance of last-minute panic.

Food batching is great however not for everyone, especially when your little ones change their minds about their favourite foods daily.

2. Uniform organisation

Planning the night before always helps with the early-morning school rush. It saves the chaos of the kids running around with only one sock or having to dig around in the laundry basket.

Preparing my young son’s uniform the night before ensures he has all the clothes he needs to dress himself with ease, giving him a sense of independence and reducing my morning workload.

3. Pre-packed school bag

How many times have you found a school excursion note at the bottom of the kids’ school bags… or worse, a mouldy squashed banana?

This can be easily avoided by emptying and pre-packing school bags each afternoon.

That way, nothing is missed, goes mouldy, and you can literally drop in their lunchboxes the next morning.

4. Label everything

Hats, jumpers, lunchboxes… kids somehow manage to mix everything up. Labelling saves tears, money, and the daily trip to the lost-property box.

5. Sunscreen by the toothbrushes

Keeping sunscreen next to the toothpaste is a hack that has saved me many times. It becomes part of the routine instead of something you remember halfway through the drive.

6. Morning station setup

Create a little ‘launch pad’ near the door which includes hats, shoes, bags, library bags, and water bottles all in one place. It stops the last-minute scramble for that missing school hat or forgotten water bottle.

7. Five-minute morning tidy

Once the kids are dressed and fed breakfast, do a super-quick sweep of the kitchen and grab lunchboxes out the fridge. It’s small but stops the mess from snowballing and ‘afternoon you’ will thank ‘morning you’ for the forward thinking!

8. Afternoon reset

When you get home, place uniforms straight into the wash, put lunchboxes on the bench, and check their bags right away. A 10-minute “reset” stops everything piling up and makes tomorrow a breeze.

9. The family calendar that works

Whether it’s a wall calendar or a shared phone app, keeping all excursions, sports days, library days, and school events in one spot is a sanity saver. Put all events in your diary as soon as the notes come home, otherwise they disappear into the black hole of school paperwork.

Starting the school year doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few small tweaks and a little preparation, you can transform chaotic mornings into smooth, calm starts for the whole family.

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