Top tips
When summer temperatures rise, it’s tempting to keep the air conditioner running all day, which can be expensive. But staying cool doesn't have to mean higher energy bills. With a few smart changes, many of them low-cost or DIY, you can stay comfortable and keep your costs under control.
Here are some simple ways to stay cool using less energy this summer:
- Know which appliances use the most energy. Focus on changes that reduce summer energy use.
- Use cooling efficiently and choose energy-efficient appliances if you’re upgrading.
- Keep heat out of your home before it builds up.
- Take advantage of solar energy if you have it.
- Access an energy plan with a free power window – from the start of summer, most energy retailers must offer the Victorian Midday Power Saver, which gives free energy between 11am and 2pm (caps apply).
Make small, everyday changes to lower your energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Know where your energy goes
Why this matters
Heating and cooling account for around 40% of a typical household’s energy use. During summer’s hot spells, cooling can drive up your energy bills. So, this is a good place to start looking for smart ways to reduce energy use and costs.
Cool smarter for energy savings
Cool rooms you’re using, not the whole house.
Small adjustments can make a big difference to your energy bills:
- Set your air conditioner to 25–27°C. For every one degree cooler, you can increase energy use by up to 10%.
- Cool only the rooms you’re using.
- Use zoning controls to direct cooling where you need it.
- Turn cooling off when nobody’s home.
- Use ceiling or pedestal fans to make rooms feel cooler.
- For ceiling fans, turn the setting to summer (or counterclockwise), to push air down and create a breeze.
- If you have solar, cool your home while the sun’s shining.
- Take a look at the Victorian Midday Power Saver, a regulated electricity tariff that starts this summer and gives free power from 11am to 2pm daily. If you’re eligible and it’s right for you, you can opt in through your energy retailer (that’s the company that issues your energy bill). You’ll be able to cool your home during these hours for free (caps apply).
- Contact your electricity retailer to find out about other energy plans with free or reduced-cost electricity periods.
Choose energy-efficient appliances
If you’re upgrading your cooling, consider installing an energy-efficient, reverse-cycle air conditioner. Find out more on our Heating and cooling product page. You could also be eligible for heating and cooling discounts under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program.
Keep the heat out
An easy way to reduce costs is to keep heat out. Here are some ideas, ranging from no or low-cost, to more permanent solutions.
- Open windows early in the day or at night when outside temperatures drop.
- Close curtains, blinds and outside shutters during the hottest parts of the day.
- Close windows and doors when you run the air conditioner.
- Seal gaps and add weather stripping or draught proofing around doors and windows to stop hot air entering your home.
- Double-glaze windows where you can (a longer-term fix, we know – but they retain up to 30% more conditioned air than single-glazed windows.)
- Improve ceiling insulation (another longer-term fix).
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers discounts for energy-efficiency improvements. See the VEU website to find out if you’re eligible for these discounts:
- Weather sealing discounts – for windows, doors, chimneys and vents
- Window glazing discounts
- Insulation discounts.
Small everyday changes, big impacts
Many everyday appliances generate heat or use a lot of energy. Making some of the small changes suggested here could generate summer energy bill savings:
- If you have options:
- use fans before air conditioners
- use energy-efficient, reverse-cycle air conditioners before evaporative cooling or portable air conditioners
- monitor energy use if you have a large, ducted air conditioner or older electric cooling system – they are high energy use appliances so use them strategically.
- Avoid using ovens during the hottest part of the day. Instead, use microwaves or air fryers.
- Turn appliances off when you’re not using them.
- Wash clothes in cold water if it’s suitable.
If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, shift your usage patterns to cheaper times.
Turn your attention to your fridge and freezer
Hot weather can make your fridge and freezer work harder – and these important household appliances can also throw out a bit of heat when they’re working hard. A few simple checks can help your fridge and freezer manage the heat.
- Set your fridge to around 3°C and your freezer to around -15 to -18°C.
- Check door seals for gaps or damage.
- Avoid opening fridge or freezer doors longer than you need to.
- Cool hot food before putting it in your fridge or freezer.
- Defrost your freezer regularly if it’s needed.
- Switch off spare fridges and freezers you’re not using.
Resources
Quick wins to save energy (DCCEEW)
Top 10 energy saving tips (DEECA)