7 chillaxing ways to stay cool this summer and cut your energy bill
Yes folks, Summer is here. If you are already walking around your home singing the lyrics to ‘hot in herre’ by American rapper Nelly, then now is the time to get your summer groove on and adopt a few cool new habits that will ensure your electricity bill doesn’t soar along with the temperatures.
The good news is that there are many ways for you to cool yourself and your home in summer that don’t involve substantial investments like central air-conditioning or relandscaping the garden. Check out our 7 faves!
1. Fan yourself not the room.
Fans are way cheaper to run than an air-conditioner but rather than attempting to cool a whole room with a fan (which often just ends up circulating the warm air around), purchase a pedestal fan and plonk yourself in front of it to cool down. And be sure to turn off the fan when you leave the room to save on electricity.
2. Run appliances during off peak times.
If you’ve got a flexible energy plan where you get cheaper rates during off-peak times use this to your advantage by doing the washing in the early morning and running the dishwasher at night.
3. Embrace the raw food movement (or a cheats version of it).
Summer is the perfect time to ditch the cooking and opt for meals of salads, seafood and fresh fruits instead. If you do cook, consider using the microwave instead of the oven as they use about 50% less energy to cook or re-heat small portions of food.
4. Stay shady.
On days when the temperatures are expected to soar, early in the morning close windows, draw the curtains or shut blinds. A dark room will stay cooler for longer.
5. Stock the fridge.
Most people’s fridges are well stocked over the Christmas period anyway but a well stocked fridge will retain the cool better than an empty one. So check the seal to make sure your fridge closes properly and set the thermostat at 3ºC for the fresh food compartment and -18ºC for the freezer for maximum efficiency.
6. Tune out.
Summer is a great time to head outdoors so there’s never a better time to unplug the TV, Xbox and computer. Turning your appliances off at the wall rather than keeping them plugged in can cut energy costs by around 5% according to Origin Energy spokesman Stuart Osbourne.
7. Do a cold shower challenge.
Not only will it save you on your energy bills but cold showers are proven to have an amazing effect on your health and well being ranging from strengthening your willpower to stimulating weight loss.
And of course, don’t forget that one of the easiest ways to cut down your power bill is by making sure you are on the cheapest energy plan. Energy providers change their plans regularly and you could save as much as $615 annually by switching plans. Compare some of the latest energy deals in your area here on Mozo and don’t forget to read our tips on how to switch and slash your energy bill this summer.
