As the temperature rises during summer, most people watch their electricity bills rise too. Air conditioners are often the top contenders for energy consumption over the summer, but who wants to spend the summer sweltering in the heat? This year you can save your electricity bills from rising by keeping a few things when you need to cool down.

Use Your Air Conditioner Wisely

Air conditioning is a necessity in many parts of Australia during the summer, however you don't need to have your air conditioner running 24 hours a day. Try to refrain from using your air conditioner out of habit; consider setting a rule that the air conditioner doesn't go on unless the temperature raises above 35 degrees Celsius (or however high you want to set your limit).

Set your air conditioner to 24 degrees Celsius for optimum energy efficiency; every degree lower you set the air conditioner means extra energy your air conditioner will have to use. Don't leave your air conditioner running all night; use the timer function so it will automatically switch off once you are asleep, or consider using a fan overnight instead. If your air conditioner is getting old, it might be time to invest in a newer, energy efficient model to save costs on your electricity bills.

Use Alternative Cooling Methods

While air conditioning is the ultimate way to cool your home, there are some days when other cooling methods may suffice. These include using fans, opening windows and doors to allow the breeze through your home, and blocking the sun with heavy curtains. Fans use less energy than air conditioning, and while they won't get your home as cool as air conditioning, they can help your home reach a tolerable temperature. These alternatives won't use any electricity, and can cool your house as well as a fan can.

Use Someone Else's Air Conditioning

Of course, the easiest way to save your electricity bills is to not switch on any cooling appliance at all. When it gets too hot, escape from your house and enjoy the air-conditioned comforts of a friend's house, a shopping centre, or your workplace. Consider going for a swim to cool down; the beach or a pool are always popular places to cool down during the summer.

When it starts to heat up, don't sweat it! Keep your cool and cool down sensibly, and watch your electricity bills drop. For more tips, talk to HVAC experts such as Point Nepean Air Conditioning & Heating.