When summer rolls around and the temperature starts to heat up, it can often mean our power bill goes up too. However, there are ways to keep your home cool this summer without breaking your budget. We share some general house tips, plus advice on ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
Keep your curtains closed during the day
Keeping your curtains, blinds and shades closed during the day makes a significant difference to the temperature of your home. Blocking the sun out during the day stops the heat coming into the home and warming up your rooms. Once the sun starts to set, open them back up again and let the night breeze in.
Open your windows at night
Keeping your windows open at night will allow the cold air to come into the home. By opening windows at either end of the home, you’ll create cross ventilation, meaning the cold air will flow all the way through.
Use the cooler rooms of the house
During the summer, spend time in the cooler rooms of your home. Generally, the bottom level of the home is going to be cooler than the top levels. Also keep in mind rooms that are east facing are going to be hit by the sunshine in the morning until around midday. So spend time in the rooms facing the west.
Try not to use the stove or oven
Using the stove and oven can heat up the kitchen and surrounding rooms immensely and you’ll be feeling the heat in no time, especially during the summer months. Opt for salads and other cool dishes instead. This is also the perfect time to make use of the BBQ. Not only is it refreshing to cook and eat meals outside, but you’re home is guaranteed to stay cool at night. This means all of the days efforts to keep the home cool won’t be undone.
Keep your air conditioner running efficiently
If you have an air conditioner in your home or are thinking of having an air conditioner installed for summer, there are a few ways you can ensure it is running efficiently, keeping your energy costs down.
Leave your air conditioning controller at one set temperature
Keeping your air conditioning controller at one temperature will mean your unit won’t have to run as long to cool down the room or home. We recommend a comfortable 22-23 degrees Celsius.
Clean the filters
The air conditioners filters help to keep the air cool. If the filters are not clean, your air conditioner will have to work a lot harder, putting strain on your unit and increasing your energy bill.
You can clean the filters yourself if you know how to do so. Alternatively, you can hire the services of a qualified air conditioning technician.
Ensure you have annual services
Having your air conditioner serviced annually will keep it efficient, safe and will ensure it will run as long as it should. This preventative maintenance is one of the best measures you can take to ensure your air conditioner isn’t breaking your budget during the summer.
8 tips to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance
Take advantage of the ceiling fans
If your home has ceiling fans, you can definitely take advantage of them during the summer months. Changing the setting to rotate the fans counter clockwise will push the air downwards, creating a stronger draught. This also allows the warm air near the ceiling to mix with the cooler air. Use the ceiling fan only when someone is in the room, as it won’t be needed otherwise and will waste energy.
Turn the lights off
Did you know, halogen down lights provide their bright lights as a result of the heat they emit? While LED lights generate heat, it’s not nearly as much as a traditional light. If you’re looking to keep cool, switch the lights off when they are not needed. You’ll be saving money as well as keeping the home cool.
Other ways to keep yourself cool
If you’re looking for some other cost effective ways to stay cool this summer, try some of the tips below:
Drink cold water regularly
Wear loose fitting cotton clothing
Have a cold shower
Make your own icy poles
Do the housework in the mornings
Don’t be left sweating it out this summer
If you’re not wanting to take any chances, book in an air conditioning installation. Having an air conditioner in the home, whether it is a split system or a ducted, is a definite way to keep the rooms, and your family, cool during the summer nights without breaking your budget. You can be sure there will be no more sleepless nights!
Thinking about air conditioning?