Often customers will use their air conditioner or the dryer more, but even if you keep using appliances in the exact same way, they will still use more electricity. Take your fridge for example, you might not be using it more but it will use more electricity as it’s working harder to keep cool.
We can’t change the weather, but we can make small changes to help save energy and money. Here are our top tips to use less energy in the wet season.
When it’s balmy, it can be tempting to constantly have the aircon on. However, cooling costs make up approximately 40% of your bill, that’s why it is important to take steps to reduce this. The biggest tip is to spend as much time as you can without it on. Fans are a great alternative as they cut through the humidity and help you feel cooler. When you do have it on, use it alongside your fans to help the air circulate. The best temperature to set your aircon is between 24˚C to 27˚C.
When it’s raining for days on end, you might find that your laundry pile starts to grow. If you have a dryer it can be tempting to use it generously. This can be a real energy drainer. Where you can, air dry. Investing in a folding clothes line can be a cost effective alternative to the dryer. Lightweight fabrics will dry under a ceiling fan just fine. When you do use your dryer don’t overload it. It’s also important to clean the lint filter. Taking steps to correctly use it will ensure it’s working efficiently and not using more energy than you need.
If you want to escape the heat why not go out for the day? You could go for a meal or visit a local art gallery. It’s a great way to support local businesses in the off-peak tourist season while escaping to someone else’s aircon. There are also lots of free places to go that are air-conditioned.