With the festive season here, Gloucester households are hanging up lights, planning Christmas lunch and making sure the air-conditioning is in working order.
Unfortunately, they’re also bracing for bill shock, with electricity consumption typically peaking in the summer months. But, EnergyAustralia chief customer officer Chris Ryan say there are things people can do to take the heat out of summer bills and ease their impact on the environment.
1. Replace your old halogen Christmas lights: Halogen lights aren’t efficient, and when draped over your home and powered day and night, can run up costs. Investigate cost-effective alternatives, like switching to solar-powered Christmas lights.
2. The magic air-conditioner number: Try setting the thermostat at 26 degrees Celsius, at least to begin with. Every one degree lower increases running costs by around 10 per cent.
3. Upgrade and save: If you have an old air-conditioner it might cost less in the long-run to invest in a new one. Newer models have better refrigerants and improved technology, such as inverters. One that’s 10-15 years old can be up to 40 per cent more expensive to run.
4. Make laundry while the sun shines: Washing your clothes in cold water can save you around $115 a year and drying them on a clothes-line outside (or inside) instead of in an energy-hungry dryer is super-fast in the summer and absolutely free.
“The last thing any household needs is for a big electricity bill to take the shine off the festive season,” Chris said.
“Fortunately, there are things everyone can do to keep their electricity costs under control while still having a good time and helping the environment.”
More home cooling tips can be found at www.energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/media/fact-sheets
