Summer in Westlake means long, hot days and plenty of time spent indoors trying to stay cool. With heating and cooling accounting for around 40% of a household’s energy use, those cooling bills can quickly add up. Luckily, there are practical ways to keep your home comfortable and reduce your electricity costs.
Choosing Energy-Efficient Systems
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, it’s probably costing more than it should. Modern systems, especially reverse-cycle air conditioners and heat pumps, are designed to be energy efficient. Heat pumps work by extracting heat from outside air to cool or warm your home, using up to 60 to 85% less energy than older electric heating or cooling units.
Investing in a high-star energy rating unit means you’ll see real savings on your power bill while staying cool all summer. It’s worth getting expert advice to choose the right model for your home size and usage patterns.
Smart Thermostats and Timers
One of the easiest ways to save on cooling costs is by using a smart thermostat or timer with your air conditioning system. These devices allow you to schedule when your air conditioner runs, so it doesn’t operate unnecessarily when you’re not home or during cooler parts of the day.
You can set your air conditioner to switch on just before you arrive home or pre-cool the house during off-peak electricity times if you’re on a time-of-use tariff. Smart controls can also adjust the temperature automatically based on your preferences, avoiding overcooling and wasted energy.
Complementary Cooling
Ceiling fans or portable fans use a fraction of the energy air conditioners consume and can make your home feel cooler by circulating air. Using fans alongside your air conditioning can allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher, which can reduce energy usage significantly without sacrificing comfort.
Regular Maintenance Saves Money
An air conditioner that’s not well-maintained will consume more power and struggle to keep your home cool. Simple things like cleaning or replacing filters regularly can improve airflow and efficiency. It’s also important to get a professional service check annually. This ensures refrigerant levels are correct and that the unit is operating optimally.
Solar Power Integration
If your home has solar panels, using your air conditioning during daylight hours can significantly reduce running costs by using your own generated power rather than drawing from the grid. Using a solar system with a battery unit means you can extend its benefits. You can even set smart controls to maximise air conditioner use when solar output is highest.
Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Energy experts recommend setting your air conditioner between 25°C and 27°C during summer. Every degree cooler can increase energy use by around 10%, so resist the temptation to overcool your home. If you’re using a smart thermostat, set it to maintain this range for the best balance of comfort and efficiency.
Cut Your Cooling Costs
Keeping cool doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right approach, you can cut your cooling bills while staying comfortable all summer.
Westlake homeowners trust Just-In Time Electrical for smart, energy-saving electrical solutions tailored to the local climate and lifestyle. Whether you need a new air conditioning system installed, a smart thermostat set up, or regular maintenance to keep your existing unit running efficiently, our team is here to help you reduce your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
Contact the Just-In Time Electrical team for expert advice and professional service that Westlake relies on.
Just-In Time Electrical is your local leading electrical contractor based in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Just-In Time Electrical has been operating for over 12 years and draws on a combined knowledge base of over 30 years.
