Australia’s cost of living is among the highest in the world. This means that managing everyday expenses—like utility bills—can take some adjustment when you first move Down Under. That’s why it’s essential to have some strategies at hand to keep cool while keeping your budget on track.
Smart utility management isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s part of long-term financial stability and helps you live more sustainably, too. So here’s the Remitly guide to help you stay cool in Australia while keeping your bills in check.
How hotter weather can impact your utility bills
Summer in Australia often means using more resources to keep the heat at bay, which can push your bills up quickly.
You might have your air conditioners or fans running for longer to keep your home cool. Plus, your refrigerator also has to work harder to keep your food cool, increasing your power consumption even further.
The water bill can climb quickly, too. Taking cold showers, topping up the pool, using sprinklers to keep your garden from drying out, and relying on evaporative cooling systems all add to the cost.
The importance of effective energy and water management
A high utility bill can throw off your entire household budget—especially around the summertime Christmas period, when expenses can spike. So, while turning on the aircon or taking a cold shower might cool you down in the short-term, you could find yourself having to cut back on other essentials just to cover the extra expense.
There’s also the bigger picture to consider. Electricity in Australia is often extracted from fossil fuels, while water itself is a scarce resource. Managing your utilities efficiently isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s a small but meaningful way to reduce your environmental footprint.
Keeping cool without cranking up the air conditioner
Running the air conditioner all summer can send your electricity bill soaring, but it’s not the only way to stay cool. There are a few tricks that you can use to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to saving on utility costs. The best method will depend on the Australian city you live in. For example, evaporative cooling might be great in a dry city like Adelaide, but is unlikely to work somewhere humid like Brisbane. Understanding your options can help you stay cool without overspending.
Insulate your home
Good insulation doesn’t just keep your home warm in winter, it also helps to trap cool air inside and reduce heat transfer during summer. This keeps your home cooler for longer, making it easier to stay comfortable without blasting the air conditioner.
Here are a few ways to improve insulation and keep your energy bills low in summer:
- Seal gaps and cracks
Use weather stripping or sealant around doors and windows to keep hot air out. - Close blinds and curtains
Keep your home shady and block out the sun’s heat during the hottest parts of the day. - Use door snakes
Placing a draft stopper at the bottom of doors helps keep cool air from escaping. - Insulate your roof
Installing proper roof insulation can make a big difference in regulating indoor temperatures.
These simple changes can help keep the heat outside so your home stays cooler without relying on air conditioning.
Use a fan
Fans are a far more energy-efficient way to stay cool than air conditioning, using only a fraction of the power.
Positioning your fan near a window in the evening can help draw in cooler air from outside, especially if there’s a breeze. Alternatively, placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan can help to create a refreshing cooling effect when the air blows over it.
If you have a ceiling fan, a good tip is to set it to spin anti-clockwise, if you can. This pushes the air downwards, making rooms feel more comfortable without running up your electricity bill.
Other cooling techniques
Good ventilation can make a huge difference in keeping your home cool without relying on air conditioning. If you have a roof vent or an attic fan, using it can help pull out trapped hot air and keep indoor temperatures lower.
Opening windows on opposite sides of your home is another technique. This creates cross-ventilation, allowing fresh air to flow through and push hot air out. Be sure to do this when it cools down at night to reset your home’s temperature for the next day.
Shading outdoor areas can also help—installing awnings, pergolas, or even using plants to create natural shade reduces heat before it reaches your home.
Budget-friendly changes for immediate impact
You don’t need to spend a fortune to cut down on water and electricity costs—small, everyday changes can make a big difference. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to lower your bills without sacrificing comfort.
Adjust your thermostat settings
Tweaking your thermostat settings can help you stay comfortable while keeping your electricity bill in check.
If you’re using air conditioning, setting it to around 23°C to 26°C strikes a good balance between cooling and energy efficiency. Every degree lower adds to your power costs, so avoid cranking it down too much.
When it’s cooler outside, turn the air conditioning off and rely on fans or open windows instead. In the evening, if the temperature drops, switching to natural ventilation can help lower your home’s temperature overnight without using any energy.
Manage natural light and heat
Managing natural light and heat can help you stay comfortable while keeping energy costs down. The sun streaming through your windows might brighten up your home, but it also raises indoor temperatures and forces your cooling systems to work harder.
Closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day can block out direct sunlight and reduce heat buildup. If you want to keep things bright, using light-coloured curtains or reflective window films can let in natural light while deflecting heat.
Outdoor solutions like shade sails, pergolas, or even well-placed trees can also keep the sun from turning your home into an oven.
Cover your pool
If you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool—and over three million Australians live in homes which do have a pool or spa—evaporation can make it a surprising source of water waste. A pool cover reduces the effect, which can be as much as 250 litres a day during hot Australian summers, by up to 95%. Even a basic tarp or shade cloth can make a difference, helping to cut down on water refills.
Covering your pool also helps to maintain your pool’s temperature, so the sun doesn’t warm it too much and deny you the refreshing effect of a quick dip.
Smart investments for long-term savings
If you’re planning to stay in your home for a while, making a few smart upgrades can lead to significant savings on your utility bills over time. While these changes may require an upfront investment, they can pay for themselves by improving energy efficiency, reducing water waste, and making your home more comfortable year-round.
Installing energy- and water-efficient appliances
Upgrading to energy- and water-efficient appliances can make a noticeable difference in your utility bills over time.
Modern washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges are designed to use less electricity and water while still performing well. When you buy an appliance, check its energy star rating. Those with a high star rating consume less power without sacrificing efficiency.
Front-loading washing machines use less water than top-loaders, while dishwashers with eco modes reduce both water and energy usage. Heat pump dryers are another great option, as they use significantly less electricity than traditional dryers.
Using smart meters for tracking energy use
A smart meter helps you monitor your electricity and water usage in real-time, giving you a clearer picture of how and when you’re using the most energy. Instead of waiting for a bill to arrive, you can track your consumption daily and adjust your habits to cut down on waste.
Many smart meters come with apps or in-home displays that show peak usage times, helping you shift energy-intensive tasks—like running the washing machine or dishwasher—to off-peak hours when rates are lower. By staying aware of your usage patterns, you can make smarter choices and reduce unnecessary costs.
Eco-friendly approaches to reduce utility costs
Saving on utility bills isn’t just good for your wallet, it’s good for the planet too. Eco-friendly practices can help you to reduce your electricity and water consumption while keeping your home comfortable.
Harnessing solar power
Australia has heaps of sunshine, so solar power is a top option for powering your home and reducing energy costs.
Installing solar panels on your roof can generate electricity to power your home, lowering reliance on the grid and cutting down bills. If full solar installation isn’t an option, you can opt for just solar water heaters, which can reduce energy costs for heating water.
For smaller-scale savings, solar-powered outdoor lights and solar battery chargers can help cut down on electricity use without a big upfront investment.
Water conservation techniques
With hot summers putting extra strain on water supplies, being mindful of how you use water can help lower your bill while conserving this vital resource.
Installing water-efficient showerheads and taps will reduce your water usage without sacrificing pressure, while shorter showers can make a big difference over time.
In the garden, watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening helps prevent evaporation, while using mulch keeps soil moist for longer. Plus, reusing greywater from washing machines or sinks for watering plants can cut down on water waste.
Small changes make a difference
Adjusting to life in Australia comes with plenty of challenges, from finding accommodation to getting a driver’s licence, or staying on top of your energy bills in the hot summer months.
However, with some small but effective changes, staying cool in summer needn’t be one of them. Improving your home’s insulation, using fans efficiently, and covering your pool can help you keep costs down, live more sustainably, and feel more in control of your finances.
FAQs
What’s the most cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption?
The most cost effective—and easiest—way to reduce your energy consumption is by switching off lights and appliances when you’re not using them. Another simple solution is to replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED globes. This can save up to 80% on lighting costs.
What uses the most power in a house in Australia?
Heating and cooling systems are the largest energy consumers in Australian homes, accounting for around 40% of household energy use. Hot water systems also contribute significantly, consuming 23% of overall household energy.
How can I reduce my electricity bill in Australia?
To lower your electricity bill in summer in Australia, consider using energy-efficient appliances, setting your air conditioner between 23 and 26°C. Additionally, washing clothes in cold water and taking shorter showers can reduce hot water usage.
How can I make my home more energy efficient in Australia?
You can improve your home’s energy efficiency by installing proper insulation, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and using energy-efficient appliances. Upgrading to LED lighting and considering solar panels can also contribute to long-term energy savings.