Save money on energy this summer break with our top tips

For many families, school holidays offer the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Whether you’re planning a getaway or enjoying the comforts of home, managing your energy usage doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Australian summers are known for their sunny days, balmy nights, and trips to the beach, but they often come with higher energy consumption and rising household costs.

To help you stay cool without straining your budget, we’ve put together some practical tips to reduce your energy and water bills this summer.

Small changes can lead to significant savings, and we've got some of the best tips for your summer break listed below:

How to save energy and money this summer

Explore better energy plans

A quick and effective way to lower your energy costs is by switching to a better plan. At Compare Energy, we specialise in finding plans that suit your needs and save you money during the hotter months.

Speak to one of our experts at 1300 790 106 and let us help you connect to a plan that works for you.

Plan ahead

School holidays often mean using more electricity, which can lead to a bigger power bill than expected. To avoid this, take a little time to plan and find ways to save energy.

Start with a family discussion about how everyone can pitch in to be more energy efficient and then make a checklist for things the kids should look for, such as turning off lights and not leaving devices on standby.

Make your kids energy champions

Turn saving energy into a fun and educational activity by making your kids the household energy leaders. Encourage them to identify when and where electricity is being wasted and brainstorm ways to improve energy efficiency.

You can start by walking through each room of the house together and discussing simple changes. Ask your children to come up with a set of "family energy-saving rules" and take the lead in ensuring everyone follows them.

Assign your kids specific tasks to monitor energy efficiency around the house. For instance, they can check the key temperature settings that impact energy use:

• Teach them to use a fridge thermometer to ensure the fridge is set between 3–4°C and the freezer is between -15°C and -18°C. These are the ideal temperatures for keeping food fresh while saving energy.
• Step aside, grown-ups. Let your kids help manage the thermostat for heating and cooling. During summer, keep the thermostat at no lower than 24°C. Explain how lowering the temperature below this can increase energy use by up to 10% for each degree. Show them how 24°C can feel cool compared to the blazing heat outside, making it an efficient choice.

By involving your children, you not only teach them valuable lessons about energy conservation but also empower them to take responsibility. Plus, turning energy-saving into a family project can make it feel less like a chore and more like a team effort!

Consider insulation

Proper insulation can reduce up to 50% of cooling energy loss caused by air leaks. Shading windows (especially on the north and west sides of your home) and planting trees or shrubs can keep direct sunlight at bay.

During the hottest parts of the day, close windows and curtains, and when it cools in the evening, create cross-breezes by opening windows and doors. You could also look at sealing gaps around doors and windows with weather strips is a cost-effective way to keep your home cooler.

Try your ceiling fans before aircon

Ceiling fans are a fantastic, energy-efficient way to stay cool without overloading your electricity bill. Fans circulate air, creating a breeze that feels refreshing, while consuming far less power than air conditioning.

To get the best results, keep fan blades clean for maximum airflow. And don’t forget to turn them off when you leave the room!

Use your air conditioning in the right way

Running air conditioning through the night can rack up significant costs. Instead, set a timer to turn it off partway through the night once you’ve fallen asleep.

To save even more, set your A/C temperature between 25–27°C. Every degree above 25°C can reduce energy consumption by 5–10%. If your unit’s external compressor is exposed to direct sunlight, consider shading it to improve efficiency.

Switch off screens and save

School festive holidays are the perfect time to unplug and encourage kids to explore the outdoors. Reducing screen time not only saves on energy but also keeps the family active and engaged. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few ideas to get started:

• Organise a friendly game of soccer or cricket with the kids and their friends.
• Dust off the bikes or scooters and enjoy a family ride around the neighbourhood or local trails.
• Get the kids involved in gardening – from planting flowers to growing veggies, they’ll have fun getting their hands dirty and watching their efforts bloom.

Use the power of the sun

If you have solar panels, involve your family in maximising the benefits of the renewable energy they provide during daylight hours. Encourage everyone to think about how and when they use energy, so you can take full advantage of the power generated while the sun is shining.

For instance, during summer, make it a habit to wash those sandy beach towels and swimwear as soon as you return from your morning beach trip.

Running the washing machine in the middle of the day, when your solar panels are producing the most energy, is far more efficient than waiting until evening. By being mindful of your energy use, your family can work together to become "solar super users."

Another way to embrace nature is by planning a tree-planting day as a family. Not only is it a fun outdoor activity, but as the trees grow, they’ll provide natural shade to your home. This added shade can help cool your house, reducing the need to rely on air conditioning. Over time, this small step can make a big difference in lowering your household energy consumption and costs.

By using solar power wisely and enhancing your home's natural environment, you can save energy while enjoying meaningful family time.

Call out the HVAC experts

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system ensures it runs efficiently and keeps your energy bills in check. Schedule an annual inspection with a qualified technician to address any issues early.

Dust buildup is a common culprit that forces systems to work harder, so cleaning filters regularly can help maintain peak performance.

Switch to LED lighting

If you’re still using traditional light bulbs, consider upgrading to LED lights. They consume up to 75% less energy, generate less heat, and can last 10 times longer than halogen bulbs, making them a smart and cost-effective choice.

Consider your pool pump efficiency

Modern pool pumps are designed to use significantly less energy than older models. Many come with timers that allow you to run the pump during off-peak hours, cutting costs.

While newer pumps may involve a higher upfront investment, their energy-saving features can save you hundreds of dollars over time.

Turn off appliances at the wall

Devices left plugged in - even on standby - consume electricity unnecessarily. TVs, washing machines, dryers, kettles, gaming consoles, and phone chargers all draw power when not in use.

Make it a habit to switch them off at the wall to reduce wasted energy and lower your bills.

Keep the fridge running efficiently

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, making it one of the biggest energy users in your home. Here’s how you can improve its efficiency:

• Check and replace worn seals.
• Vacuum dust from the back and top of the unit to improve airflow.
• Defrost your freezer if ice buildup is excessive.
• If you have an old, seldom-used fridge (like a drinks fridge), consider turning it off to save hundreds of dollars annually.

Dry clothes naturally

Take advantage of warm, sunny days by air-drying your clothes instead of using a tumble dryer. Not only does this reduce energy use, but sunlight also naturally removes stains and bacteria, leaving your laundry fresh and clean.

Get expert energy help today

Looking to save more this summer? Compare Energy is here to help you find the best energy plan or switch providers with ease. Call us today at 1300 790 106 and let us simplify your energy needs.