Ceiling fans are a more sustainable alternative to air conditioning
During summer, air conditioners account for a quarter of all the electricity used by NSW homes.
Since the recent electricity price rises, we have become more mindful of how much power to use at home.
Here are a few cooling tips that can help save power, money and our environment:
- Using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners can save 11,000 black balloons and $115 a year. Alternatively, using fans to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner can save 2,000 black balloons and around $20 per year
- Zone your home by using doors to divide spaces into smaller areas. Less power is required to cool a specific area rather than the entire house. Simply closing doors to divide rooms can save you $55 per year and 5,000 black balloons
- Increasing the temperature of your air conditioning in summer can save you $55 on your power bill and reduce carbon pollution by 5,000 black balloons
- Using blinds to block out hot summer sun can save 2,000 black balloons and around $20 a year
The position or orientation of your home can increase its energy efficiency, making it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.
If your home is well-oriented you'll be able to use natural heat from the sun to warm your home in winter and cooling breezes to air your home in summer. Use a compass to see which way your home faces.
If you are building, make sure the orientation of your home and windows take advantage of these natural helpers. These are just some of the tips that can be found at savepower.nsw.gov.au.
For a free Save Power thermometer to help you keep your house cool, sign up and make a power pledge.