Tips to keep cool and keep costs down

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This helps prevent dehydration and keeps you cooler for longer.

Have a cool (not cold) shower or bath

A lukewarm bath or shower (26-27 degrees celsius) is more effective than a very cold one to keep you cool. Very cold showers or baths can make your body conserve heat.

Wear clothing made of natural fibres

Loose and lightweight clothing, made of natural fibres like cotton or linen will provide the best airflow and temperature regulation.

Time your outings

If you need to leave the house during very hot weather, try to go earlier in the morning before it gets too hot. If you need to go outdoors, rest or walk in the shade and avoid too much activity between 11am-3pm where you can.

Look for air-conditioned activities

If you don’t have air conditioning, visit air-conditioned public spaces, like libraries, shopping centres or other community facilities to get a break from the heat.

Split systems

Split systems can be cost-effective if you use the right settings.

1. Set the mode to ‘Cool’ (often a snowflake icon) and not ‘Auto’.
2. Point the fan direction upwards so the cool air moves across the top of the room and sinks naturally.
3. Keep temperature between 23-26 degrees for energy efficiency and comfort.
4. If you're not getting relief from your air-conditioner alone, try using a ceiling or pedestal fan at the same time to move the cool air around the room.
5. On very hot days turn it on earlier rather than waiting for the room to get too hot. This uses less energy to keep the room cool.
6. Clean or vacuum the filters regularly to get proper airflow.

Portable fans

1. If your portable fan has multiple settings, look at the wattage range so you know what each setting costs. The lower the watts, the less it costs to use per hour.
2. Use portable fans in rooms to help circulate the air, especially if you have a split system on and you’re not getting relief.
3. Close doors to areas you aren’t using to stop cool air from escaping into empty spaces.
4. If you can, place a bowl of ice in front of the fan, the evaporation from the ice will make the air cooler. Don’t let the ice melt on any electronics.
5. If you’re using a fan in the bedroom overnight, angle the fan across your body to get the most benefit.

Seal draughts

Draughts are gaps, usually around your doors and windows, that let in hot air. A door snake can seal draughts under doors or you can apply weather strips around window frames.

Several libraries in Victoria offer home energy saver toolkits or allow you to borrow thermal imaging cameras so you can find and fix the gaps in your home.

Curtains

Closing heavy or thick curtains in hot weather keeps the heat out and the cool in. Look for “thermal insulated” curtains to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Let the breeze in

If the temperature drops in the evening and the outdoor temperature is cooler than inside, open windows and doors to cool the house down.

Washing and drying

Wait until your washing machine or dishwasher is full before running a cycle, use cold water or eco mode and hang your clothes outside to dry. Avoid using these appliances between 4pm-8pm to help manage the demand on the electricity network.

Standby mode

If you have appliances that use standby mode – turn them off at the switch when they’re not in use. Your TV is a good example of an appliance that is on standby.