Origin Energy has provided a range of energy saving tips for Australian households to stay cool and save on their summer power bills.

Amy Stockfeld, Origin spokesperson, said, “One of the best ways to save on summer energy is to rely predominantly on fans for summer cooling and try not to use air conditioners too much.”

Running an air conditioner during the day could cost approximately anywhere from $71 to $200, depending on where in Australia you are. However by using fans to cool the house it may cost less than $10.

Yet air conditioners remain the popular choice for cooling down a house in the summer heat, but if you’re careful with the use, energy savings can still be achieved.

“For householders who are looking to purchase an air conditioner, we suggest they compare the energy ratings of similar sized air conditioners to see what is going to be most efficient,” Ms Stockfeld said.

Here are some energy saving tips for the summer months:

  • set ground rules for air conditioner use – e.g. only use on days that reach temperatures of 30 degrees or higher
  • turn off unused appliances at the wall
  • enjoy the outdoors more and cut down watching television to two hours a day instead of five
  • use energy-saving power boards – useful for older networked computers and entertainment equipment
  • if the household has a pool, set the filter to off-peak tariffs.
Additionally there are many other cost-saving tips households can take to be energy efficient and keep cool:
  • close curtains to block direct sun
  • seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping, fill gaps around windows and doors, and close off unused rooms to keep the cool air in and hot air out
  • have cooler, shorter showers
  • a well insulated home effectively keeps out the summer heat
  • use floor lamps with compact fluoro globes instead of hot halogen downlights
  • use the BBQ to reduce oven use which adds heat to the home
  • hang clothes outside instead of using a clothes dryer
  • if using a clothes dryer is unavoidable, don’t overload it. Items that can’t tumble freely will not dry and will waste energy
  • each degree lower than 24ºC an air conditioner is set at can add 10% to overall energy consumption of the unit – keep it at a consistent moderate temperature
  • be aware of old appliances, such as old fridges – they can use a lot more energy than more modern ones.
By following these energy saving tips, NSW households can save up to $350 on their electricity bills. South Australian households can save up to $360 and Victorian households, $240.