Summer is fast approaching and with it usually comes a spike in our electricity bill. Australia is an incredible place but there is no denying summer down under can almost be on par with taking a nap in the oven. An increase in temperature isn’t the only reason we see our energy bill go up. Summer also means the holiday season. The kids are home for school holidays and there’s more people in the house for Christmas. Let’s try to minimise some of the stress this year and get the family in on trying these energy saving tips.
Turn off the gaming console
In the mist of the digital age it can often be difficult to convince the kids to step away from their devices and head outside to play but saving on your bill could be worth the argument. We all know that the air conditioner is one of our biggest energy consumers but what about gaming consoles? If the kids are on their handheld devices, then you don’t have too much to worry about. Charging an iPad will only set you back around $9.40 per year[i].
However, if they are running an Xbox or PlayStation every day, you might want to force them to play under the sprinkler. New studies have found that these gaming consoles are not very energy efficient. An Xbox One could be costing you around $50 a year when used for three hours a day.[ii] Don’t forget that the Xbox doesn’t run alone! Running the TV can cost just as much as the gaming console, putting you up to $100 a year.
Let’s talk about the Air Conditioner
We all know the AC is one of the biggest energy users in the home, but what is the reality of the running costs? The average reverse cycle air conditioner costs on average $0.30 an hour to run. If the kids are running the AC for three hours a day during school holidays that is over $30 per AC for 35 days.[iii] $30 doesn’t seem like much but don’t forget to include the running costs the AC in each bedroom every night during summer.
Get some tips from your Grandparents
Our Grandparents were not as lucky as we are, they didn’t have the luxury of flicking on the AC every time the temperature gets above 35 degrees. If it starts to get too hot inside, why not head outdoors and enjoy the cool breeze in the shade? Or you could opt for cooling down the home with water. If it’s safe, put the sprinkler on the roof to cool the house down or hose down the cement on the patio to release the heat.
Turn off unused appliances
I don’t know about you, but during the holiday season at my house there’s always a million appliances running and probably no one using them. Make sure appliances and lights are turned off when not in use. Especially the big-ticket items like the TV, washing machine, dishwasher etc. Try and turn these appliances off at the wall because even in standby mode they’re costing you money.
Go Solar
If you own your own home, solar is the best thing you can do to reduce your energy bills. Solar could reduce your energy bill from 60-80 per cent depending on how you use your energy. Often people think that if they’re not home during the day that solar won’t work for them but that’s not the case. Timers are a marvellous thing. You can set your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, pool pump and even the air conditioner to run during the day when you’re at work. While solar works for us all year round, it gives us the most relief over the summer season. Imagine not having to stress knowing the kids are home during the holidays with the air conditioner and Xbox running?
Whether you’re ready to make the switch to solar or just want to weigh up your options, contact us today. One of our expert Energy Specialists will prepare a personalised quote to suit your needs and budget. Complete your details here to request a call back.
[i] Cost of charge an iPad – Ergon Energy
[ii] Gaming Energy use Calculator
[iii] Cost of running the air conditioner – Canstar
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
