Summer energy savings

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Summer is a time when households can see a blistering surge in water and electricity use. The cost impact can be greatly reduced through good planning and adjustment.

This guide provides simple ways to save on your energy and water costs and keep cool during the summer months.

For specific energy saving-advice for tropical, sub-tropical and arid areas, see the Northern Australia living guide.

10 free things you can do now

See how many of these top 10 tips your household can adopt.

1. Dress for the season

Before you crank up the cooling:

choose loose, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like organic cotton and wear lighter colours
swap heavy blankets for light breathable bedding such as cotton sheets or linen.

If you are still warm, spray yourself with a mist of water or drape a moist towel around your neck for an instant cool-down.

2. Shut the door on wasted energy

Close windows, curtains, blinds, and doors during the hottest part of the day to block sunlight from entering your home. When the temperature drops outside, open windows or doors on opposite sides of the room to let the cooler air in and create a breeze.

If you're running an air conditioner, close internal doors to cool only the areas you need. Use a draft snake (or door snake) to block cool air from escaping under doors and prevent warm air from entering.

3. Use fans first

Consider opting for fans instead of turning on the air conditioner. Fans have to be blowing on you to feel the cooling effect but are much cheaper to run.

Ceiling fans are the most efficient but pedestal and bladeless fans are also quite cost-effective. Portable fan costs around 2 to 3 cents per hour to operate.

For more information on cooling options, see the Heating and cooling page.

4. Set the thermostat

If you have an air conditioner, use it only when necessary and set the temperature between 25 and 27°C. Every degree higher can save between 5 to 10% on your energy costs.

Set the programmable thermostat to suit your schedule.

5. Use appliances efficiently

Wash clothes in cold water on the eco setting if possible. Washing in hot water uses between 50 to 85% more energy (depending on whether you have a front loader or top loader).

Avoid using the oven, dishwasher and washing machine in the hottest part of the day. These appliances generate heat which increases the temperature and humidity inside your home making your air conditioner run longer and more frequently.

Clean and defrost your fridge and ensure it is set to the right temperature – between 3 and 4°C for the fridge, and minus 15 to minus 18°C for the freezer. If you have a second fridge, turn it off unless needed.

6. Turn it off

Switch appliances such as lights, computers, consoles and televisions off at the power point when you are not using them and when you go on holiday unless it is necessary to have them always switched on (for example, fridges, freezers, or security alarms).

Many appliances continue to draw stand-by power even when switched off. This can account for up to 3% of your total energy costs.

7. Spend hot days in cool places

Adjust your routine to spend hot days in cooler public spaces, if possible, such as shopping during the day instead of the evening. When at home, occupy the coolest areas, especially when sleeping.

8. Roll up your rugs

Rugs do not generate heat but add an insulating layer to floors which helps retain heat. Put the rugs away to expose cooler flooring such as tiles and floorboards.

9. Use a ‘solar’ clothes dryer

Switch to drying clothes on the line or a clothes rack if you’ve been using a dryer over the cooler months. This can add up to significant savings.

10. Shop around and switch to save

Don’t assume your current energy provider is offering you the best deal available. Look at government price comparison websites to check which provider has the best rate.

Most people can compare electricity and gas offers on the Energy Made Easy website. If you live in Victoria, visit Victorian Energy Compare.

You can also contact your current provider to ask if there’s a better deal they could put you on right away.

Find out more about how you can switch to save.

5 cost-effective things you can do this summer

With a slight shift in daily routine and a few simple tricks, you can reduce reliance on costly mechanical cooling.

Consider these other household actions to keep your appliances running at their best and reduce bills.

1. Switch to LEDs

LEDs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than other forms of lighting (for example, halogen and incandescent bulbs). LEDs also produce less heat. This efficiency comes from their ability to convert most of their energy into light rather than heat.

2. Seal gaps

Draughts let unwanted outdoor air into your home, causing discomfort and increasing reliance on mechanical cooling. In summer, hot air can enter through gaps and cracks, while cool air escapes.

To prevent this:

Seal gaps around windows and doors using weather strips or sealant.
Use door snakes and other draught stoppers to block warm air during the day.
Check skirting boards and other common leak points for cracks.

For more information to reduce drafts, check out our how-to guide for draught proofing your home.

3. Shade your home

Prevent sunlight from entering your home with shade by:

building shade structures like awnings and shade sails
fitting windows with thermal-backed curtains or honeycomb or roman blinds.

Plant trees and bushes outside windows and walls to provide natural shading. Deciduous trees and plants provide shade in summer while allowing sunlight through in winter.

Also consider house plants. They can provide extra shading near windows and absorb some heat.

4. Conduct a home energy audit

Use a home energy audit toolkit (HEAT) to assess how energy is used in your home. These self-guided toolkits provide practical tools and information to help you create your own home energy action plan

HEATs are not available in all states. Visit our rebates and assistance page and to find out if there is a toolkit available near you.

5. Make conscious purchasing decisions

Appliances and equipment account for up to 25% of your energy use. Upgrading older appliances and technology with newer, energy-efficient ones will reduce your energy use and save you money.

When buying appliances or equipment, consider:

the right size to suit your household and lifestyle – buying the largest model you can afford may waste money in running costs.
the Energy Rating Label, Zoned Energy Rating Label, and Water Rating Label – the more stars an appliance has, the more efficient it is.
the lifetime costs and the purchase price – a cheaper model that is less energy efficient can end up costing you more in the long run. Use the Energy Rating Calculator to find out how much an appliance will cost you over its lifetime.

Operate appliances efficiently by following the manufacturer’s instructions and keeping them well maintained. Switch them off at the power point when not in use, and especially when you're away on holiday – unless they need to stay on continuously.

Appliances and technologies are long-term investments, built to last. Choosing wisely benefits your wallet and the planet. Key decisions include:

your next car
your next cooktop
replacing your hot water system
how you heat your home
your electricity plan.

One smart choice can lead to significant long-term savings. For more guidance, visit YourHome.

5 longer term investments to consider

1. Install and maintain energy-efficient air conditioners

When buying an air conditioner, look for the Zoned Energy Rating Label  (ZERL) for more detailed energy efficiency information. The ZERL provides a seasonal efficiency rating for 3 climate zones across Australia to assist you in selecting the product most suited to your region. To compare models, use the Energy Rating Calculator.

If your air conditioner has an outdoor compressor, keep the area above it clear for proper airflow. Adding shade can also reduce the likelihood of overheating.

To ensure the system continues to operate efficiently, servicing should be done by a licensed technician. Cleaning the dust filters will improve efficiency and can be done by the householder.

2. Install solar power

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system offers the potential to reduce your household electricity bills. It’s also a major step in the transition away from fossil fuels.

The Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) may reduce the cost of installing most new residential and business rooftop solar systems.

The Solar Consumer Guide provides free and expert guidance on rooftop solar and batteries for your home or small business.

This step-by-step guide can help you choose, use and maintain a rooftop solar system that will suit your needs and maximise your savings. It includes advice on how to find a solar retailer or installer and what questions to ask when seeking quotes. Check out the Solar Consumer Guide.

3. Install a battery

A battery can store energy for use when your solar panels are not generating enough electricity (such as at night or when it is cloudy), or at times when electricity costs more.

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program is providing around a 30% discount on the cost of installing an eligible battery as part of an expansion to the SRES. You can get the discount on an eligible battery the same way you access support for solar systems.

Read more about the costs and benefits of rooftop solar and batteries in the Solar Consumer Guide.

4. Install a solar or heat pump hot water system

Consider solar or heat pump hot water systems if you’re thinking of upgrading your hot water system.
Solar hot water systems capture the sun's heat to warm water for your home. Heat pumps are a great alternative if you don’t have the roof space needed for a solar system.

While these systems have a higher upfront cost, they offer long-term savings on energy bills. Depending on where you live, you could be eligible for financial assistance. See our rebates and assistance page to find out what’s available to you.

5. Upgrade your insulation and ducting

Insulating your home helps reduce heat transfer, cutting heating and cooling costs by up to 45%. However, insulation can deteriorate over time, becoming less effective. Topping up or replacing old insulation can significantly improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency.

Talk to an expert to find out what's best for your home and its climate and always engage a certified insulation installer. You can find out more about insulation options at YourHome.

Ducting also plays a key role in the performance of your HVAC system. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can lead to wasted energy and loss of cool air.

When installing or replacing ducting, look for an R-value of at least 1.5 for ducting and an R-value of 0.6 for other fittings. Always engage a qualified professional to seal or insulate your ducts properly.

Pools and spas

Pools and spas often use as much energy as your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer combined. Careful consideration at installation can mean long-term savings.

Talk to your installer about the types of filtration systems available including natural pool designs that use biological filters. See the Energy Rating Label and the Energy Rating Calculator for more information about energy-efficiency ratings of various pool and spa pumps.

You can save money with a more energy-efficient pump even if it has a larger up-front cost. For example, a 5-star variable speed pump uses 55% less energy compared to a 1-star single speed pump meaning a lower lifetime cost.

Pools can lose considerable amounts of water through evaporation. This can be significantly reduced with a well-fitted pool cover. Having a rainwater tank is also a great way to top up a pool.

Ensure your pool and spa complies with safety and fencing regulations in your state or territory and do regular checks to minimise the risk of accidents. Check the Royal Life Saving Australia website for more information about water safety at home.

To find out more about pool and spa efficiency, see the Pool pumps page.

Plan your trips

Summer is the time when many people take their annual holidays. There are ways to minimise the environmental impact of your travel and save on energy use.

Before travelling, check electrical appliances like microwaves, kettles, televisions, home entertainment systems and gaming consoles are turned off at the wall.

If away for more than a week, turning off your storage hot water system saves money and energy. When turning it back on, allow time for the water to become hot enough to kill any bacteria that may have grown. The water must remain above 60°C for at least 35 minutes before you can safely use it. It could take several hours to reach this temperature.

Driving

Careful driving and proper vehicle maintenance can make a big difference to fuel consumption. A well maintained medium-sized car can cut up to 1.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

Some other ways to reduce fuel consumption:

If renting a vehicle, choose the smallest one to suit your needs.
Change gears sooner rather than later to keep engine revs down.
If driving an automatic, ease back on the accelerator when the vehicle gathers momentum.
Empty the cabin or boot of any heavy items.
Remove roof racks when not in use.
Don’t overfill the fuel tank, stop at the first click. Any more is lost in overflow and evaporation.

Flying

If flying to your destination, you can opt to pay a little extra to offset your air travel emissions. Find out about carbon offset projects on airline websites and check if your airline or travel provider is a member of Climate Active and certified as a carbon neutral business.

For more information, see the Transport page.

Summer safety

Know the signs

Heat stroke and dehydration are very serious conditions and require medical attention. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms to ensure you can keep yourself and others safe.

Explore Health Direct for heat related conditions, tips for managing extreme heat, and treatment for people affected by heat.

Keep your pets safe

Ensure pets have access to cool indoor areas during the day, out of direct sunlight with plenty of water.

Dogs and cats’ paws can burn easily. If the ground is too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for theirs. Avoid walking pets during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, take them out in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler.

Be bushfire ready

The key to being prepared for bushfires is understanding the level of risk to you and your property and the ways that risk can be reduced.

The most important decision is whether you and your family leave early or stay and defend your home. In either case, having a plan and preparing your property accordingly can help keep you and your family safe.

Create a bush fire survival plan to provide the best chance of survival.

Emergency resources and assistance

Emergency management Australian Government

Life-threatening emergencies, including bushfires CALL 000

SES help in flood and storm emergencies CALL 13 25 00

Australian Government disaster recovery assistance CALL 180 2266

Bushfire services

ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic, WA

Bushfire advice

Bushfire basics CSIRO

Bushfire weather Bureau of Meteorology

Bushfire factsheet for wildlife WIRES

Keep animals safe in emergencies RSPCA

Cyclones

Tropical Cyclone Knowledge Centre Bureau of Meteorology

Floods

National flood forecasting and warning service Bureau of Meteorology

Rebates and assistance - Find out what support is available in your state or territory.

Solar Consumer Guide - Find out more about rooftop solar for Australian households and small businesses.

YourHome - Read about how to make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient.

ev.gov.au - Find factual information to help you help you buy, own, and maintain an electric vehicle.