Australia heatwave shocker: How your air con could blow your energy bill
It can cost up to $720 on average to run your air conditioner over summer if you live in the hotter parts of Australia, where heatwaves are more common.
If you have air conditioning at home, chances are you've already been using it, since we've had a few scorching hot days.
In fact, I'm sitting here in Sydney with my air con blasting - it's 34 degrees right now and expected to hit 38 tomorrow.
If you're worried about your summer energy bill, here's a rundown of everything you need to know to avoid a meltdown.
How much will it cost to run my air con this summer?
According to our research, Aussies run their air con for an average of 6 hours a day over the summer months.
So across the 90 days, here's what you could end up paying, with those in hot climate zones forking out the most.
| Total cost for the summer | Hourly running cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | $720 | $1.33 |
| Northern Territory | $649 | $1.20 |
| South Australia | $337 | $0.63 |
| New South Wales | $289 | $0.54 |
| Western Australia | $245 | $0.45 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $156 | $0.29 |
| Victoria | $144 | $0.27 |
| Tasmania | $133 | $0.25 |
We analysed running cost data from over 4,000 air conditioners across three categories: portable, ducted, and split system air conditioners, using the Energy Rating Calculator. We also factored in the average electricity rates for each state based on our database of single-rate tariff plans.
You can read our guide on air-con running costs for a detailed breakdown based on the type of unit you have.
Haven't compared energy plans in a while?
You could be missing out on a cheaper deal.
What can I do to reduce my summer energy bill?
Sometimes you need the air con running because your area's in the middle of a heatwave, or it's just stuffy in your home.
But there are ways to keep the costs at bay. Here are some tips to help you out.
- Instead of setting your thermostat to a low 16°C, aim for 24-26°C. Every extra degree of cooling can add around 10% to your energy bill.
- Clean your air con's filters if you haven't already. They can become clogged with dust, pollen and even mould, making your appliance less efficient and more costly to run.
- Don't keep turning your air con on and off for short breaks, as the cost of starting it up can outweigh the cost of leaving it running.
- Choose loose, lightweight clothing, close the curtains or lower the blinds when the sun's shining bright, and sip on cold water.
- Use (or buy) a fan before reaching for the air con remote. Fans can cost as little as 4 cents an hour to run and can help increase airflow. They're a great investment if you don't have one. I've been using my $40 Kmart fan for four years now.
- And lastly, compare energy plans to see if you can get a cheaper deal. There's a good chance you could be saving if you haven't compared plans in over 12 months.
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