With experts forecasting record-breaking temperatures this summer, Aussies nationwide are already seeking new – and old – ways to beat the heat without scorching their power bills.
For everyday Australians, staying cool under the hot summer sun isn’t as cheap as it used to be.
A cost of living crisis has seen power bills surge in recent years, with electricity prices spiking by as much as 38 per cent in some regions in 2023 alone.
But in an attempt to stop their wallets from feeling the heat this summer, half of Australians say they plan to keep aircon use to a minimum, turning to classic, aircon-free tricks to keep cool instead.
A recent survey by Compare the Market found that 48 per cent will reduce aircon use in the coming months, an increase of 18 per cent on last summer.
“We did the same survey last year, and the numbers were around 30 per cent,” says Compare the Market spokesperson Chris Ford.
“It really shows the impact that energy bills are having.”
The survey also found that Gen X is the most likely to switch off their air-cons and keep cool in other ways, with 52.9 per cent saying they’ll use their units less.
However, despite their high running costs, Gen Z and Baby Boomers said they were least likely to go without air-conditioners in warmer months, despite its high running costs.
Based on average use, a small split system unit with a five-star energy rating can cost as low as $132 a year to run. But a larger unit with just a one-star lower energy rating can send running costs rocketing to more than $680 annually – A fivefold increase.
But, staying cool doesn’t have to mean sweating over your next utility bill, with many Aussies now turning to old-school cooling hacks to keep cool.
Build-it’s Top Classic Cooling Tips
- Close blinds to block out heat.
- Open windows for cross-ventilation in the morning/evening.
- install larger ceiling fans new, larger designs better dispurse the heat around the home.
- Rotate ceiling fans flick the switch to summer mode/ counterclockwise for a cooling breeze.
- Cook outdoors to avoid heating up your home.
- Stay hydrated and use cool towels or showers.
- Seal doors/windows to keep warm air out.
- DIY ice fan: Place ice in front of a fan.
- Add shade with awnings or plants.
- Switch to LED bulbs to reduce indoor heat.
Popular classic cooling hacks include keeping windows open for cross-ventilation, installing larger ceiling fans to disperse cooler air evenly, and blocking out the sun with sun blinds or blackout curtains to prevent indoor heat build-up.
Some more unusual ideas include banning the use of the oven, sticking a bowl of ice in front of portable fans, or simply wearing fewer clothes!
However, if all those still doesn’t keep you cool, Compare the Market’s Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien, says there are ways to keep the air-con running without heating up those running bills.
“It can be really tempting to run your air-con on the coolest setting when the mercury climbs, but this can be one of the major contributors to high bills during the warmer months,” she said.
“Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to blast your air conditioner on the coldest temperature to feel its effects. Your unit needs to work even harder and use more power when on lower settings.”
“Each degree cooler you set the temperature can add up to 10 per cent more to your electricity usage, which can really add up. Instead, set your thermostat to between 25 and 27°C on the cooling function on those hot or muggy days.”
