Summer Hacks

Air conditioners

Did you know space cooling appliances like air-conditioners can account for up to 40% of a summer bill? In sunny Queensland, air conditioners can be more of a necessity than a luxury though. But don't sweat it, stay cool and save with our top tips on these silent energy suckers:

1. Aim for a cool and comfy 25°. Each degree lower can boost your energy use by 10%, so find the sweet spot! If the weather allows, opt to switch off the air conditioner and instead, use your ceiling fans to save big.
2. Timers a charm Schedule your air conditioner to turn off when you're out or asleep. It's a smart way to save energy without sacrificing comfort.
3. Clean and fresh filters mean better efficiency Try to clean filters monthly during peak summer use to keep the cool air flowing.
4. Seal the deal Ensure doors and windows are closed when the air conditioner is on. Bonus points for using block-out blinds or curtains, to keep that scorching sun out and the refreshing cool air inside where it belongs.
5. Recirculate and save Select the air recirculating setting when running your air conditioner. Otherwise, you’ll be drawing much warmer air from the outside and using a lot of electricity to cool the space down.
6. Use fans to circulate cool air They’ll help your air conditioner to distribute cool air to where it’s needed
7. Educate and involve the kids Teach your kids about the importance of being energy wise when using the air conditioning. Make it a fun challenge to see who has the best energ-saving ideas. You can also set rules about when and how long the air conditioning can be used.
8. Dry mode magic Dry mode, is a setting available on some air conditioners that is designed to remove excess humidity from the air without significantly reducing the temperature. Dry mode can help to save energy by reducing the workload on the air conditioner compressor and fan and can also help to extend the life of the air conditioning unit.

Fan-tastic energy savings

Maximise your fans' efficiency with these simple tricks and hacks to keep cool without breaking the bank.

1. Switch on to 'summer' mode Most fans have a 'summer' or 'winter' mode. Be sure to check your fan is on the right mode for the season. This can really improve the ambient temperature of the room.
2. Fans cool people, not rooms Be sure to switch off the fans when you leave to save energy and money.
3. Blades of glory Giving your fan blades a quick clean to remove dust and build-up to help them run more efficiently.

Fridge and freezers

1. Chill settings Set your fridge to 3-4°C and freezer to between -15°C and -18°C. It's the perfect balance for efficiency and freshness.
2. Space smart A well stocked fridge is energy efficient, but don't overstock shelves or put hot food in your refrigerator. Leave about 20% space for the air to circulate
3. Seal of approval Tight seals on your fridge and freezer keep the cold air in. Check the condition of your seals around the entire perimeter. Looking for gaps, cracks or tears. Look for weak or damaged seals by placing a $5 dollar note between the fridge door and the seal. If the bill slides out easily, the seal may be compromised in that spot. If you feel resistance, the seal is likely in good condition.
4. Switch off and save If your second fridge or freezer is mostly empty, consider turning it off. Fridges account for a high percent of your energy bill, so reducing the number of active fridges or freezers can lead to significant savings.
5. Mould be gone When turning off your second fridge, make sure to remove all moisture to prevent mould and odours. Unplug it, let any frost or ice melt, wipe it down thoroughly and leave the door ajar.
6. Keep cool with maintenance Defrost your freezer regularly if it requires manual defrosting, to keep it running as efficiently as possible
7. Quick grab Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep the cold air in. Try to think of what you need from the fridge before opening the door. Be sure to keep frequently used items in easy to reach spots.