When the temperature spikes and the humidity hits on the Sunshine Coast, staying cool with air conditioning becomes essential. But cranking on the aircon 24/7 can leave you with bill shock.
Luckily, there are smarter ways to beat the heat without blowing your budget. Whether you’re cooling a small unit or a large family home, these tips will help you stay comfortable and cut your power use during extreme weather.
Here’s how to keep your cool on the Sunshine Coast, even during the worst heatwave.
Use Your Air Conditioner the Smart Way with Efficient Air Conditioning Tips
If you use them right reverse-cycle air conditioners are one of the most efficient ways to cool your home. Here’s what you should do:
- Set the temperature to 24–25°C: At that temp it’s cool enough to stay comfortable, but doesn’t overwork the system
- Close windows and doors to prevent cool air escaping
- Only cool the rooms you’re using: Shut doors to unused areas
- Use energy-saving mode or timers: Reduce running time when you’re not home
Even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to your energy use.
Pro tip: Attend to air gaps in your walls, floors and doors and you’ll lose less of the air that you’ve spent money on heating or cooling! Keep your home from being a big heat colander.
Block the Heat Before It Gets In
It’s much easier to keep a house cool than to cool it down after it’s hot.
- Close blinds, curtains or awnings during the day to block direct sunlight
- Use reflective window films or external shade cloths if rooms face west or north
- Seal up drafts around doors and windows to keep hot air out
This creates a thermal barrier and keeps your AC from working overtime.
Stay Cool Without the Air Con
If you’re trying to cut costs or delay switching on the system, these low-energy options can help:
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air: They don’t cool the air but make you feel cooler through evaporation of moisture on your skin
- Wet a towel or sheet and hang it in front of a fan for a DIY evaporative cooler
- Switch off unused appliances: Even lights and chargers generate heat
- Drink cold water and keep skin cool by using damp cloths or mist sprays
Every degree of body temperature matters when it’s 36°C and climbing.
Time It Right
Run your AC early in the day before the house heats up, then coast through the afternoon by maintaining the temperature rather than trying to drop it from 35°C to 24°C all at once.
At night, take advantage of cooler outdoor temps by opening windows (if safe) and using fans to bring in air. Just don’t forget to close everything back up before sunrise.
Consider a Solar-Powered Boost
If you have solar panels, run your cooling systems during the day while the sun is providing free power. This is the best way to reduce grid use and avoid peak pricing.
Even without a battery, you can make the most of solar by shifting your cooling window to match daylight hours. You may have heard of this as load shifting.
A few simple changes can mean the difference between comfort and chaos, and keep your power bill under control during a Queensland summer.
Need help upgrading to a more efficient air con system or getting your home heatwave-ready?
SWIFT Solar & Electrical can recommend and install cooling solutions that suit your home and budget. Call us on 0422 251 734 today so your home can be ready for any tough conditions!
