Cut energy waste, keep cool, and get ahead of the heat.
As we approach the warmer months, it’s important to ensure your electrical system is ready to handle summer’s demands, without sending your energy bill through the roof.
Between running the air con, keeping the fridge stocked, and dealing with long, hot days and warmer nights, power usage spikes for most Aussie households in summer. But with a few smart moves, you can improve your electrical efficiency, reduce unnecessary strain on your system, and lock in real energy savings.
Here’s how to prep your home properly before the heat really hits.
If your cooling system’s been sitting idle all winter, now’s the time to give it a once-over.
Start with the basics: clean or replace the filters in your split system or ducted air conditioner. A clogged filter makes your unit work harder than it should, pushing up energy use and reducing performance.
Next, check your temperature settings. Aim for around 24°C in summer, each degree cooler can increase running costs by up to 10%. It might not sound like much, but over a few months, it adds up fast.
If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a smart climate control system. These allow you to cool your home based on occupancy or time of day, so you’re not paying to cool an empty house. That’s energy efficiency done right.
Electrical efficiency isn’t just about the electrics, it’s also about what’s keeping your cool air inside.
Poor insulation and outdated windows force your cooling system to work overtime, which means higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Upgrading or topping up ceiling insulation can make a huge difference in how well your home holds its temperature.
Windows are another weak point. Double glazing, weather stripping, and reflective films help reduce heat gain. If you’re not ready for a full window upgrade, even installing blockout blinds or curtains can keep direct sun out and reduce indoor temps significantly.
Keep the cool in and the heat out, that’s the key.
Summer days may be longer, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore lighting efficiency, especially as air-cons and appliances are running harder than ever.
Switch to LED lighting throughout your home if you haven’t already. LEDs use a fraction of the energy compared to halogens or incandescents and give off less heat, helping to keep your rooms cooler, too.
As for appliances, now’s a great time to check the energy ratings on your fridge, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. If anything’s on its last legs or guzzling power, it might be worth upgrading before the hot weather kicks in.
And don’t forget the humble ceiling fan – a low-cost, low-energy way to keep cool. Even on a hot day, a ceiling fan can make a room feel several degrees cooler without turning on the air con.
Before your system hits peak summer workload, give it a health check.
Book an electrician to inspect your switchboard, HVAC systems, power points, and appliances. Loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or minor faults might not show up now, but they can cause problems when demand spikes during a heatwave.
Your electrical panel should also be checked for signs of wear, corrosion, or poor connections. If your system hasn’t been looked at in years, or if your home’s power has been upgraded with additional appliances or solar, it might need an adjustment to handle the load safely and efficiently.
This definitely isn’t the job for a DIY YouTube session, leave it to the pros.
Maximising your electrical efficiency before summer isn’t just about slashing your power bill, it’s about keeping your home comfortable, functional, and safe when it matters most.
At Astley Electrical, we help Sydney homeowners prepare their homes with practical, forward-thinking solutions, from air con efficiency tips and lighting upgrades to full switchboard inspections and appliance servicing. Need help getting your home summer-ready?
Get in touch with Astley Electrical today. We’ll help you reduce your energy use, avoid last-minute breakdowns, and breeze into summer with confidence.
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