As we head into another Aussie summer, most of us will be thinking about how to keep our homes cool — without spending a fortune on electricity! The good news is, a few smart home improvements, design choices and modern tech upgrades can make a big difference to indoor comfort will keeping your energy bills in check.
From smarter climate control systems to clever landscaping tricks, here’s how to create a cooler, more efficient home this summer.
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1. Upgrade to a smart climate control system
If you’re still using an old-school air conditioner or wall unit, you’re missing out on the new generation of smart climate control systems.
These systems learn your household routines — when you’re home, asleep or out — and automatically adjust temperatures for maximum comfort with minimal energy waste. You can even manage everything from your phone, so your home’s perfectly cool when you walk in the door.
Smart climate control doesn’t just help reduce energy bills, it also maintains consistent temperatures across rooms, helping prevent over-cooling or overheating zones.
2. Seal and insulate
Many of us think of sealing and insulating our homes during winter but it has just much benefit during the hotter months — so if you haven’t done it yet, consider this your sign to do it!
Before blasting the air con, make sure your home isn’t leaking cool air. Seal gaps around doors and windows using inexpensive products like adhesive backed foam strips. It’s also a good idea to check your insulation (especially in the roof), and consider adding block-out blinds or curtains. These simple fixes can make a surprisingly big difference.
3. Create natural shade outdoors
Your outdoor spaces can work with your climate control to keep things cooler. Plant deciduous trees near north-facing windows or add pergolas and screens to block harsh sun in summer while still letting in winter light. Design expert Shannon Battisson talks more about passive design in this article.
If you’d rather skip the lawn maintenance, consider artificial grass for landscaping. It’s a low-maintenance, water-saving alternative that still gives you that lush green look and unlike bare concrete or paving, it can help soften outdoor heat reflection — without the mud, mowing, or watering bills.
4. Zone your home
Zoning is another trick for energy efficiency. Cool only the rooms you’re using. For example, your kitchen and dining could be one zone, living areas another, and so on. This allows you to close off unused spaces or only target your cooling to the areas that need it. It’s a great way to save on cooling costs without compromising on comfort.
5. Use fans strategically
Ceiling and pedestal fans don’t lower the air temperature, but they help circulate cool air so your space feels more comfortable. While fans used to be an eyesore, you can now find lots of stylish designs on the market.
6. Rethink your lighting and appliances
Old halogen bulbs and inefficient appliances add unnecessary heat indoors. Switching to LED lighting and energy-rated appliances will reduce both heat and power use — win-win!
Staying cool in summer doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. With a few mindful upgrades — from tech like smart climate control to landscaping that cools your home naturally — you can enjoy a comfortable home that’s efficient, sustainable, and easy to live in all year round.
