Tenant Tips - How to Save Money this Summer

Our Friends at Well Connected Electrical services have given us some tips on how tenants and owners can save money this summer

With summer just around the corner it is important to find economical ways to keep our homes cool.

While running an air-conditioner full blast all day and night will keep your home at a desirable temperature, when the energy bill arrives you might find the huge cost a big shock.

There are actually a number of different ways you can keep yourself cooler this summer when at home, whether it’s by installing window coverings, servicing cooling units or using a fan.

Running your air conditioner doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. It’s about making sure it’s running efficiently, at an appropriate temperature, so it’s not working overtime to keep you comfortable.

Ways to save energy this summer include:

• Set air conditioning temperatures between 24 & 25 degrees
• Setting your air conditioner just one degree warmer than you normally would, as this can cut cooling costs by 10%
• Only cool the areas people are in by using zoned cooling or turning the unit on and off as required
• Add window covering such as curtains, shutters or blinds to reduce the seasonal heat exchange by almost half.  Light coloured backings on the window facing sides deflect the suns heat and so are more efficient.
• On hot days close windows, lower blinds and close off rooms not in use
• Open windows through both sides of the property to allow a cool cross breeze
• Use fans where necessary as they are cheaper to run, evaporate moisture and create a cooling effect
• Ensure air conditioners are in decent shape by regularly cleaning or replacing the filter