Air-conditioning bills heating up

If you’ve relied on air-conditioning to get you through summer, you’re not alone with 69% of Queenslanders switching on to beat the heat.

Research from Finder revealed air-conditioning costs Aussie households more than $2 billion over summer.

The research found the average household runs its air-conditioner for six hours a day during the peak summer period, at a cost of about $8.41 a day.

Finder energy spokesperson Graham Cooke said this kind of air-con usage could be damaging to the environment and your hip pocket.

"Don't let the balmy nights get the better of you,” he said.

“Keep your air-con usage in check if you don't want to end up with a hefty bill at the end of the summer.

"There are a number of things we can be doing to stay cool: air-conditioners should only be switched on when it becomes unbearable without it.”

Nearly 600,000 households admitted to keeping the air-conditioning running when they're not at home.

"If you're not at home, you don't need your air-con running,” Mr Cooke said.

“Aussies need to stop overindulging and expecting to walk into an icy cool room as soon as they get home.”

Mr Cooke said running your air-con at the optimum temperature could save you money.

"The perfect temperature setting for your aircon is 24-25 degrees, anything cooler than that is unnecessary,” he said.

"Every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill.

"A fan is a much more cost-friendly option and if it's strategically placed to get a cross-flow it can be quite effective too.”

Cut your electricity costs

• Use fans or set your aircon to 26^oC.
• Close windows and curtains while the air-con in running.
• Unplug appliances like second fridges when they’re not in use.
• Hang out washing on sunny days instead of using a dryer.
• Use cold water for washing clothes.
• Put in LED lights.
• Consider installing solar panels
• Shop around for the best deal on energy. Energy made easy compares gas and electricity plan available in your area.

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person's particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.