Just because the weather is getting hotter doesn’t mean your energy bills have to skyrocket. There are a number of easy and effective ways to keep your air conditioning costs down without sacrificing comfort. From proper maintenance to energy-efficient appliances, here are 9 tips for keeping your air conditioning bill manageable this summer.
- Install roller blinds
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your home cool in the summer is to invest in roller shutters in Canberra. By blocking out the sun’s rays, roller blinds can help keep your home cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. And, when you’re not using them, you can simply roll them up out of the way.
- Get an energy-efficient AC unit
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer AC units are much more energy-efficient than older models, which means they’ll use less electricity and save you money on your energy bills.
- Use a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate cool air throughout your home without having to run your AC unit all day long. And, when used in conjunction with roller blinds or curtains, ceiling fans can help you keep your home cooler without cranking up the AC.
- Set the thermostat wisely
During the hottest days of summer, it’s tempting to just set the thermostat as low as it will go and let the AC do its thing. However, this is actually one of the worst things you can do for your energy bills. Instead, set the thermostat to 25 degrees Celsius when you’re home and 30 degrees Celsius when you’re away or sleeping – this will help reduce how much electricity your AC unit uses while still keeping your home comfortable.
- Close doors and vents in unused rooms
If you have rooms in your home that you don’t use often, close off the doors and vents so that cool air isn’t wasted circulating in those areas. This will help reduce how much work your AC unit has to do, as well as how much money you’ll spend on cooling your entire house when only a few rooms are in use.
- Take advantage of natural ventilation
When the weather outside is pleasant, open up windows and doors to let fresh air into your home instead of running the AC. This natural ventilation can help cool down your home without using any extra electricity. Just be sure to close doors and windows when the temperature outside starts to rise again so that cool air isn’t escaping from your home.
- Cook smarter during summer months
Using ovens or stovetops generates a lot of heat – heat that can quickly make any kitchen unbearable during summer months. To avoid turning on the AC every time you want to make dinner, try cooking smarter during summer months by grilling outdoors or using a slow cooker instead of an oven whenever possible.
- Shade outdoor areas with trees or awnings
If you have outdoor areas that get direct sunlight during peak hours, shading those areas with trees or awnings can help keep them cooler without any extra effort on your part. Not to mention, it can also save money on AC costs by reducing how much heat enters your home through windows.
- Keep refrigerated items in a cooler
Items like milk and eggs need to be kept cold but putting them in the fridge causes the fridge’s compressor to work harder (and use more electricity). So instead of cooling down these items in advance, put them in a cooler with some ice packs whenever you’re leaving them out for more than an hour or two.
Ready to get started?
With these 9 tips, you’ll be able to keep cool all summer long while also keeping your air conditioning bill manageable. From proper maintenance to energy-saving appliances, there’s something for everyone – so start implementing these tips today and enjoy lower energy bills all season long!
