How to Stay Cool Without The Price Tag

How to minimise avoid the electric bill shock at the end of summer!

Hot Australian summers mean staying cool can be costly, and many home owners and renter have been hit with a shock power bill at the end of summer.

How to minimise power consumption without it involving sitting in total darkness or undertaking a total renovation:

• THERMOSTAT. Set your air-con at the highest temperature that you can comfortably stand at home (around 24 degrees). For every degree lower you set your air-con is roughly 2 cents per hour.
• CEILING FANS. Running a ceiling fan is much cheaper than airconditioning, although not quite as cold.
• SECOND FRIDGE. Maybe a lifesaver during the festive season but consider whether you need it for the entire summer, because it doubles the cost of refrigeration.
• ENERGY PLAN. Are you get the best deal? It maybe time to reassess whether you’re on the most appropriate energy plan with the cheapest tariffs.
• LESS POWER. Cool only a single room or part of the home, use less hot water, turn lights off and change globes to more efficient LED option
• NATURALLY. Try other natural ways by blocking out the sun with things such as using outdoor blinds, plants or trees.

Even if you’re renting and can’t make major modifications to your home, there are smart ways to use power that lower your energy bills!