How to keep your energy bill down this summer: A quick checklist

With summer and the scorching heat that accompanies it around the corner, it’s a good time to start thinking about ways you can reduce your energy bill.

Many people rely on air conditioning to get them through but with energy prices at an all time high, this can now be very costly.

Luckily, there are some things you can do and some adjustments you can make to reduce the amount of energy you use to keep your home cool.

Here are some of our top tips to save on energy!

• Close windows, curtains and doors during the day to keep the heat out.
• Open windows to let a breeze in once the sun has gone down. (If you don’t already have them, install fly screens). 
• Turn off powerpoints when they’re not being used.
• Plant trees outside windows to provide natural shade and stop the sun from overheating your home. 
• Insulate your home to stop hot air from entering and increasing the temperature. You can use caulk to seal openings and air leaks.  
• Regularly clean your air conditioner and replace the filter so that it runs efficiently.
• If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, look for one with a good energy rating. The more energy efficient the appliance, the less you’ll spend on electricity.
• When using your aircon, set the temperature between 25 and 27 degrees. Every degree lower that you set the temperature can cost you between 5 to 10% extra on your energy bill.
• Consider using a fan instead of an aircon because fans use less energy.
• Use the microwave to heat food rather than the oven or stove. This reduces the risk of overheating your kitchen.
• Try to spend the hottest parts of the day in public indoor places that have air conditioning where possible. For example, work from a cafe or visit the supermarket or shopping mall to keep cool.
• Use cold water in the shower to help you cool down and reduce the amount of hot water you’re using.
• Replace your light bulbs with LED bulbs to reduce energy usage.
• Make the most of the sunshine by air drying clothes instead of using the clothes dryer.
• Review your energy plan to see if you could be saving money by switching providers. You can compare energy plans below using our handy comparison tool!

Find out how other Aussies are handling the energy crisis in our Energy Report. To find out more about the latest energy news and more energy saving tips, check out our energy hub.