We all know how tough it can be when the mercury hits up to 38°C and you’re just trying to stay cool without sending your energy bills through the roof. It’s brutal, and trust us, we’ve been right there with you—sweating it out and looking for ways to keep comfortable without burning a hole in our pockets.
The good news is, you don’t have to suffer through the heatwave or pay crazy amounts just to stay cool. We’ve put together some simple tips that we’ve tried ourselves to help you beat the heat (and keep your bills in check) this summer. Let’s get into it!
The Best Air Conditioner Settings for Energy Bill Savings
Alright, first things first: that trusty air conditioner. We know it’s tempting to whack it down to the lowest setting when it’s sweltering outside, but trust us, you’re better off setting it between 24-26°C (Sustainability Victoria). It’s the sweet spot—cool enough to feel comfortable but not so cold that you’re running your power bill up the wall.
And if you're in the market for a new air conditioner, go for an energy-efficient model. Also, don’t forget to service and clean your air conditioner regularly. A well-maintained unit runs more efficiently and saves you even more in the long run!
We know it’s a bit of a juggle, but that small tweak can make a world of difference on your electricity bill.
Does Closing Your Blinds Actually Help?
Here’s something that might surprise you: closing your blinds or curtains really does work (Department of Energy). We’ve all seen the sun streaming through the windows and thought, “Oh, it’s just a bit of light.” But that light brings in heaps of heat, and blocking it out helps keep your home cooler for longer.
If you want to take it a step further, consider installing reflective blinds or window film (Department of Energy). These clever little things reflect heat away, so your home doesn’t turn into an oven when the sun’s out, making a noticeable difference on those scorching 38°C days.
The best part? You’re not just cooling down your house but also saving on your energy costs in the long run. It’s an easy way to make a real impact.
Smart Way to Use Fans and Evaporative Cooling
When the heat hits and you’re trying to keep cool without overloading the air conditioning, fans can be a real game-changer. Whether you’re looking to save a bit of energy or just give your AC a break, fans do the trick without racking up the power bill. We’ve picked up a few handy tips along the way that have worked wonders for staying cool:
• Ceiling fans: Once you’ve cooled your space with the AC, switch it off and let your ceiling fan take over. Set it to spin counterclockwise to keep the air moving and maintain that cool breeze without cranking up the energy usage. It’s a smart way to keep the comfort going while saving on power.
• Portable fans: If you’ve got a room that’s tough to cool down, portable fans are your best friend. Pop a bowl of ice in front of your fan to chill the air as it moves around. The fan blows the cool breeze through your home, giving you that fresh, icy feeling without needing to run the AC all day.
• Evaporative coolers: If you’re after something a little more powerful, evaporative coolers are cheaper to run than an air conditioner and can make a real difference on those hot days. For an extra cooling boost, try adding ice to the water reservoir—this can enhance the cooling effect, leaving the air feeling even fresher. Just make sure the cooler is designed to work with ice, as not all models are built for it. They’re an affordable and energy-efficient alternative that can keep you comfortable without cranking up your energy bill.
Evaporative coolers
These tricks can help you stay cool without cranking up the power bill. Now, let’s dive into some extra energy-saving hacks to keep things even cooler.
Extra Energy Bill Saving Tips
We know no one wants to spend a fortune to stay cool, so here are a few simple and budget-friendly hacks that’ll help you get through the heatwave:
1. Pre-cool Your Home at Night: Open the windows early in the morning or late at night when the air’s cooler. It’s a small thing, but it really helps bring down the temp indoors. If you’ve got a window fan, even better—let it suck in the cool air and push out the hot stuff.
2. Seal Gaps and Cracks: It’s amazing how much cool air escapes through little gaps around windows and doors. A quick fix with some weatherstripping can help keep the cool air inside and the hot air out.
3. Switch to LED Bulbs: If you’re still rocking those old-school incandescent light bulbs, it’s time for a change. LEDs use way less energy and don’t pump out heat like their older cousins.
4. Cook Smart: We know it’s tempting to fire up the oven, but trust us—your house doesn’t need any more heat! Opt for the microwave, slow cooker, or even fire up the BBQ outside instead. It’ll keep the kitchen cooler, and your electricity bill lower.
Looking for more energy-saving tips? Click here
We know how hard it is to stay cool during a heatwave and we truly hope these tips can make it a little bit easier for you. We’ve been trying these methods ourselves, and they’ve made a real difference. Hang in there, and remember, you’re not alone—we’ve got your back! Stay cool.
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