Summer is coming! It’s finally time to turn off those heaters, shed those winter clothes and embrace the sun. As things heat up keeping cool can be expensive – here are our top tips to keep cool without ramping up your energy bill with air conditioning.
We often think of winter as being the most power-hungry time of year, but the cost of air conditioning and keeping cool can all add up! There are still lots you can do to reduce your power bill this summer. Here are 10 things you can do today to prepare your home for summer and lower your power bill.
1. Make sure you have the best power deal
New Zealand Power Plans come in all shapes and sizes, and the cost of not having the best power deal for your home can add up over the years. Switching to the best power deal is one of the easiest ways to reduce your power bill now. Luckily, the best power deals are all listed on Power Compare. Compare Power plans and find the best power deal here.
2. Turn off your air conditioning
Turn off your air conditioning when you don’t need it. Fans are a much less power hungry cooling option. You may be able to delay turning on the air conditioner by turning up the fan and leaving the window open to allow a breeze through. When you do use your air conditioner, make sure to close doors and windows to close off other areas of your home, so you are cooling a smaller space.
3. Use fans instead of air conditioners or heat pumps.
Opening you windows and turning the fan on will cool your room by several degrees at almost no cost. If you are still too hot, a good strategy is to cool the room with open windows and use a fan, then turn the air conditioner on once the room is a few degrees cooler. This will save you on cooling those first few degrees.
4. Turn it off and spend time outdoors
New Zealand is the best place in the world to enjoy the great outdoors. Spending lots of times indoors will mean you are likely to run your cooling appliances and electronics more. So head outside – go to the beach, head to the park, or head to the movies and chill out in their air conditioning.
5. Ban the oven
Using the oven to cook dinner will make your cooling appliances work overtime. A perfect excuse to live healthily and simply over summer and embrace salads and cold foods.
6. Use nature to dry your clothes
Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening your windows to let the summer breeze through and dry your washing outside. Dryers are often the most energy hungry appliance in the home (along with refrigerators)
7. Switch to energy star appliances and uplug
When buying new appliances choosing ones with a good energy star rating with deliver savings in the long term. Unplug appliances when they are not in use so they don’t slowly drain your power in standy mode.
8. Check for your home insulation
Insulation isn’t just for keeping your home warm in winter, it also helps keep your home cool in summer. Gaps and uninsulated spaces in your home can leak cool air in summer, and warm air in winter.
9. Clean and maintain your heat pumps, HRV, air conditioning and ceiling fan
Consider having you appliances inspected to make sure your system is leak free and operating as efficiently as possible. Carry out the regular maintenance required for your appliance – some air filters require monthly cleaning.
10. Block the sun with blinds and curtains.
The sunshine coming through your windows will heat your home up in no time, especially if you live in a well-insulated house our you are out during the day with the house shut up. Keeping the sun from shining into windows will cut down on cooling costs.
If none of the tips above work for you, consider changing your power provider. It's free to compare, and you can save lots of money.
Visit Power Compare