Sydney is set for a hot weekend. Photo: NewsWire/George Chan.
Even with more heaters on the way, more than half of Aussies plan to reduce air conditioning use this summer in a bid to combat rising electricity prices according to new research from Compare the Market.
Temperatures will soar past 40 degrees across much of NSW this weekend, with the mercury in the upper 30s in parts of Melbourne and Adelaide, where forecasters are predicting more hot summer days.
Despite a hot summer forecast that includes a heat wave approaching this weekend for Sydneysiders, 51 per cent of Australians surveyed will reduce their reliance on air-con to keep cool this season.
It will be a choice between luxury and cost for Western Sydney residents especially this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 44C in Penrith, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Despite the weather, 51 per cent of Aussies turn off the aircon to save. Photo: Stock.
Forecasts also have Parramatta, Blacktown, Liverpool and Fairfield all reaching between 40C and 43C on Saturday.
Although the sea breeze may provide some relief, the BoM has forecast Sydney CBD temperatures of 39C on Saturday.
Despite the scorching heat, homeowners are doing everything they can to reduce their debt.
Energy bills in NSW set homeowners back $450 a quarter on average last year according to Canstar, a total of $1800 a year.
On top of this, approximately 51.2 per cent of all NSW households with a home loan reported mortgage stress late last year.
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Penrith in particular will feel the heat this weekend, with temperatures set to reach 44C. Photo: Sam Ruttyn.
According to finder.com.au, air conditioning units in NSW cost an average of $0.54 an hour to operate, with the average summer cooling bill reaching $289.
Compare Market’s Chris Ford said that as the summer heats up, energy use may increase again.
Mr Ford said that instead of turning off the air conditioning, Aussies could do it themselves by getting a better deal.
“Instead of going crazy this summer, you may be able to lower your bill by shopping around for a less expensive electricity plan,” he said.
“Research from our latest Household Budget Barometer shows that just 34 per cent of Australians surveyed bought energy in the last 12 months, which is very low considering there may be cheaper options available.”
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Sydney’s Coogee Beach will undoubtedly be a popular destination this weekend. Photo: Jonathan Ng.
According to Mr. Ford, energy retailers often change their plans and prices, so there are many opportunities for homeowners to pay more than they need to.
“And it’s about the wisdom of many powers,” he added.
“If you use air-con, consider raising the thermostat to the recommended temperature of between 25°C and 27°C, as each degree cooler can increase your operating costs by 10 percent.”
Mr Ford also recommended using uptime for household appliances.
“If you’re on a time-of-use plan, consider doing laundry at times when electricity is cheaper,” he said.
“Close the windows and blinds when using the fan or aircon and replace old appliances with more energy efficient units.”
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Homeowners with solar panels can take advantage of the hot sun. Photo: Stock.
Those with solar panels will benefit from the sunshine over the weekend, by 23 percent
Aussies tell Market Compare they intend to rely more on solar during the day.
“Yes, if you have solar, use the energy produced by your system during the day or send it to a solar battery if you have one so you can use it at peak times without drawing on the grid,” said Mr Ford.
According to Mr. Ford, the time to save is now, despite the federal government’s electricity rebate that is reducing the cost of electricity that has risen this year.
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