Cut energy costs in hot weather with these tips from a solar expert
Heading into the warmer months of the year brings more sunshine and a chance to escape the winter mornings spent shivering under blankets. Unfortunately for our energy bills, it can also mean having the air conditioner or fans on more often, stacking up extra costs you may not be expecting.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can reduce your energy expenditure throughout spring and summer that don’t require you to sacrifice comfort. We’ve collected some energy saving tips from solar expert Beau Savage, co-founder of Smart Energy.
As an expert in the field, solar is obviously on his list of ways to cut costs. But for those that aren’t interested in installing panels, there are a number of other ways that the average household can reduce their power consumption and save money on your energy bill.
Last-minute aircon maintenance
If you haven’t touched your air conditioner since last summer and haven’t given it a proper clean in a number of months, you may have a clogged filter.
Believe it or not, a clogged filter in your aircon can add extra strain to the appliance, and force it to use around 15% more energy to operate. That extra energy usage stacks up over the summer, and you’ll see the results when it comes time to pay your power bill.
It may seem simple, and it is! Clean your appliances and you’ll be saving money on your bill!
Avoid peak usage times
If you’re not on a flat-rate energy plan, it costs you more money to bring power into your home during peak periods of the day. Savage suggests setting your smart appliances to run overnight where you can, to ensure you’re getting the cheapest energy rates for your bill.
Install energy efficient lighting
We’ve already told you how you can save money on lighting your home, and Beau echoes our advice.
Installing energy efficient halogen or LEDs cuts anywhere from 25-80% of the energy used in traditional incandescent globes. Better yet, they last 3-25 times longer so you’ll be saving money by not buying replacement bulbs as often.
According to the Australian Government, by replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned an ‘Energy Star’ rating, you can save up to $75 each year.
Make use of your windows
Keeping your windows open at night and closing them throughout the day allows the cool air to circulate throughout your home.
At the hottest points of the day, ensure your blinds or curtains are shut as well to keep the sun out, and you may find yourself relying less on your air conditioner.
Make the switch to solar
Solar panels are a great way to cut your energy costs, if you can afford the initial investment.
Depending on your system, Savage says you could save up to $1,000 on your energy bill during the warmer months of the year - and $2,000 annually - by using a rooftop solar system to power your home.
Lock in a super saver energy plan
The last step Beau gives us is finding an energy plan without any unnecessary pesky fees and charges. We couldn’t agree more, and here at Mozo we make it easy for you to find plans!
Head over to our energy hub to find and compare providers in your area, or make use of our handy comparison tool below.
