The mercury’s rising, and the Bureau of Meteorology[i] is predicting a blazing summer ahead. With living costs—especially electricity bills—soaring alongside the temperature, it’s no wonder we’re all sweating on the cost of keeping cool.

But don’t worry—before you dust off Nana’s trusty handheld fan or start planning nights sleeping under the stars, check out these easy, budget-friendly tips to help you stay cool and keep your energy bills in check.

Cool, smarter, not harder
When the summer heat hits, cranking the air conditioner to Antarctic levels can be almost irresistible. But beware—keeping your home icy while running other appliances can make your electricity bill skyrocket faster than the temperature.

Consumer advocate Choice has a hot tip: the smaller the gap between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the less you’ll spend[ii]. Aim to keep it around an 8°C difference for peak efficiency. So, on a 32°C day, set your air con to a comfy 24°C. Sure, nobody wants to feel like they’re baking at 37°C on a 45° day, but remember: for every degree you go beyond that 8°C difference, your running costs jump by 10%. And that extra chill can cost you a pretty penny over a long, hot summer.

Fans to the rescue
Strategically placed ceiling fans are the ultimate cooling champs—they keep you comfortable and trim down your energy bills. Plus, they’re way gentler on the environment than cranking the air con. 

According to Hipages[iii], a fan running all day uses about the same energy as just 15 minutes of air conditioning. That’s some serious savings. Keep in mind, though, that you might need a few fans to cool the same area as one air conditioner. 

Seal those sneaky leaks
Don’t let the hot summer air sneak in where it’s not welcome. Take a moment to check for gaps and cracks around your windows, doors, and ducts. A quick fix with weather stripping or caulk can work wonders to stop cool air from escaping—even the old-school door snakes can do a job keeping the heat out. A well-sealed property means your air conditioner and fans can chill out and work more efficiently.

Throw some shade our way
There’s an upfront investment, but block-out blinds or curtains are a great way to help keep your property cool in summer. Shutters or blinds are like sunglasses for your windows—they block heat before it sneaks inside. A block-out blind from Temple & Webster starts from around $70, while a 910 x 1200mm white adjustable plantation shutter will set you back $460 at Bunnings. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, heavy-backed curtains work wonders, too, especially when closed during the hottest hours of the day.

And if you are fortunate enough to live near a waterway or on the coast, take advantage of that welcome afternoon sea breeze. Open windows or screen doors to let the cooler air in whenever possible.

Night moves to save cash and stay cool
Here’s a hot tip—or rather, a cool one: Run your heat-generating and energy-guzzling appliances at night to keep your home cooler and your wallet happier. Also, start up the dishwasher or washing machine before bedtime when energy costs are lower.

Also, don’t forget those sneaky heat sources such as your TV or computer. If you’re not using them, turn them off. You’ll save on electricity and keep your rooms from heating up unnecessarily. 

For more tips on staying cool this summer while keeping your energy bills in check, reach out to your local Raine & Horne property expert today. 

 
[i] https://media.bom.gov.au/releases/1245/bureau-of-meteorologys-2024-summer-long-range-forecast/
[ii] https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/cooling/home-cooling/articles/top-ten-cooling-tips
[iii] https://hipages.com.au/homes/comparison/fan-vs-air-conditioner/#:~:text=Fans%20can%20run%20all%20day,space%20as%20one%20air%20conditioner.