Six tips to get your home ready for summer
Make your Queensland summer even more enjoyable by following these tips to prepare your home.
1. Use your air conditioners efficiently
It's important to note that the lower you set your air conditioner's temperature, the more you’ll pay for power consumption. Setting your air conditioner to 24°C is recommended for Queensland's summer months. For each degree below 24°C, your energy bill can increase by 5–10%. Additionally, cleaning your air conditioner filters at least twice a year can help remove built-up dust. A clogged filter forces your air conditioner to work harder to circulate cool air.
Stay comfortable with RACQ Solar Home Electrical Services
2. Consider switching to solar
A suitably sized solar system can significantly reduce your power costs, especially when generating power during daylight hours. As temperatures rise, the demand for solar system installations increases, so it’s beneficial to get in early to maximise your savings for the hotter months.
3. Have our solar system checked
If you have a solar system, ensure it’s running efficiently by getting a solar health check. Solar panels are constantly exposed to natural elements, impacting even high-quality systems over time. Regular checks help you get the most from your investment.
4. Choose energy-efficient appliances
When shopping for new appliances, consider their energy rating. Energy Rating Labels are displayed on air conditioners, clothes dryers, washing machines, computer monitors, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, pool pumps and TVs. These labels feature a star rating and an energy consumption figure. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy-efficient it is. The energy consumption figure estimates the appliance's annual energy usage.
5. Shop around for a better power deal
If you’re concerned about energy costs, it’s worth comparing plans to ensure you’re on the best one for your home. Visit the Australian Government’s Energy Made Easy site to compare electricity deals from different retailers. If you prefer not to switch providers, contact your current retailer to negotiate a better deal or inquire about ways to reduce costs. Many energy providers offer cheaper rates during off-peak times, so adjusting your usage schedule, such as running the washing machine during these times, can save money.
The Queensland Government offers these tips for choosing or switching electricity retailers:
- Check that the new electricity plan will save you money by comparing your current plan's conditions, benefits, and costs with those of potential new plans.
- Read the conditions associated with any discount being offered.
- Review payment terms for flexible options.
- Check for any exit fees.
- Use the cooling-off period (10 days) to evaluate your new contract; you can change your mind.
- Review your electricity contract at least annually and reconsider your plan and alternative offers.
6. Improve insulation to keep out the heat
Good insulation helps keep your home cooler during summer and improves your air conditioner's efficiency, reducing energy costs. Insulation works by limiting heat transfer between spaces. According to the CSIRO, ceilings are the most critical part of a home to insulate effectively. For best results, ceiling insulation should cover the entire ceiling area and have a high R-value, which is a measure of resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation’s performance.
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