5 Simple tips to slash your energy bills this summer
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With summer fast approaching, the thought of keeping your home cool and the extra costs that can go with it may be on your mind. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself and your home cool without breaking the bank. Here are five energy saving tips to reduce your power bill this summer.
Use your air conditioner consciously
Depending on where you live in Australia, air conditioners can be a lifesaver on long hot days and nights. That said, they can also be one of the biggest contributors to your power bill. In general, if you’re looking to save money you should try to minimise the usage of your air conditioner and when you do use it, set it to 24 degrees. Every degree cooler than this can increase your machine’s energy usage by 10%.
If you find you have to run your air conditioner constantly or use a lower temperature to cool your home, it’s worth checking for air leaks which may be letting the cool air escape. Look for cracks and gaps around doors, windows and in skirting boards around your home that may be the source of the leak and fill them with caulk.
Maximise your windows
During the warm months, it can be easy to forget about the basics and go straight to solutions like air conditioning that can be heavy on power usage. While it may seem simple, when used correctly, windows can be an effective, and best of all, free, way to cool your home. Start by opening your windows when the sun goes down to make the most of the cooler night air. In the morning, close the windows and curtains to keep the cool air in and hot air out.
Check your insulation
If you live in an older home, chances are, your insulation may not be up to today’s standards. As building materials and practices have improved over the years, so too has the quality and reliability of insulation. With summer on the way, it’s worth checking to see if there’s a better solution available to keep your home cool and save on energy costs.
Perform an energy assessment on your home
One of the best things you can do to save on your power bills this summer is to perform an energy assessment on your home. While this can be done by electricians or other tradespeople, if you’re in the mood for a little DIY it’s manageable on your own.
If you opt for the DIY route, start by following the points above. Next, look at the lighting in your home and consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs where you can—these can make a big difference to your energy consumption. From here, it’s a good idea to check any air conditioners for signs of wear, damage and give the filter a clean if needed.
Bonus tip: examine your bigger appliances and, if possible, switch them to a setting that won’t require changing often as this can be a big power guzzler on certain appliances.
Monitor your energy usage
One of the best ways to reduce your power bill this summer is to track your energy usage. The emerald EMS app enables you to track your usage from the palm of your hand with energy usage stats, weekly reports and more all in an easy-to-read visual display. You can even set an energy budget and receive alerts when your energy usage is peaking. Easily link the EMS app directly to your Smart Meter without the need for an electrician.
