Australian electricity prices are among the highest in the world, and they continue to rise. During summer, cooling can account for up to 40% of household energy consumption, making it one of the biggest opportunities for savings. The good news is that staying comfortable doesn't have to mean watching your power bills skyrocket.
These ten proven strategies combine smart fan usage with simple behavioural changes and home improvements to dramatically reduce your cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable throughout even the most brutal Australian summer.
1. Embrace the Fan-First Approach
Before reaching for the air conditioning remote, try fans first. A ceiling fan or pedestal fan uses approximately 50-70 watts of power compared to 2,000+ watts for a typical air conditioner. That's a 97% reduction in energy consumption.
Fans create a wind-chill effect that can make you feel 3-4 degrees cooler without actually lowering the air temperature. This means on days when the temperature is in the low 30s, fans alone may provide sufficient comfort. Reserve air conditioning for extreme heat days when temperatures exceed 35°C or humidity makes fan cooling ineffective.
Running a ceiling fan for 8 hours costs approximately $0.12-$0.15. Running a split-system air conditioner for the same period costs $4.80-$6.00. Over a 90-day summer, that's the difference between $15 and $500 in cooling costs for a single room.
2. Use the AC + Fan Combination
When you do use air conditioning, combine it with fans to maximise efficiency. Set your air conditioner to 24-25°C instead of the typical 20-22°C, then use ceiling or floor fans to circulate the cool air throughout the room.
This approach works because fans help distribute cooled air more evenly, eliminating hot spots and allowing the air conditioner to cycle off more frequently. Studies suggest this combination can reduce air conditioning energy consumption by 25-40% while maintaining the same level of comfort.
The key is air circulation, not additional cooling. Run fans on low or medium speed—just enough to keep air moving. Higher speeds may actually make the room feel warmer by introducing more heat from the fan motor.
3. Master Cross-Ventilation
Cross-ventilation is the art of using natural airflow to cool your home, and it's completely free. The principle is simple: open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home to create a pathway for air to flow through.
For maximum effectiveness:
- Open windows on the cooler side of your home (typically the shaded south side) wider than those on the warmer side. This creates a pressure differential that draws air through.
- Position a fan near the intake window to boost incoming airflow.
- Place another fan near the opposite window, facing outward, to expel warm air.
- Open internal doors to allow air to flow through multiple rooms.
Cross-ventilation works best in the early morning and evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler than indoor temperatures. Check the strategic fan placement guide for detailed positioning tips.
4. Time Your Cooling Strategically
Pre-cooling your home during off-peak electricity periods can lead to significant savings. Many Australian energy providers offer time-of-use tariffs where electricity costs less during certain hours, typically late evening through early morning.
If you have a well-insulated home, run your air conditioning during these cheaper periods to cool the house down, then switch to fans during peak rate times to maintain comfort. The thermal mass of your home will retain the coolness for several hours, especially if you keep doors and windows closed.
- 5am-7am: Pre-cool the house before peak morning rates
- 7am-2pm: Switch to fans, close blinds on sun-facing windows
- 2pm-8pm: Peak heat and rates—use fans unless extreme
- 8pm onwards: Open windows for cross-ventilation if outdoor temp drops
5. Manage Solar Heat Gain
Up to 40% of unwanted summer heat enters your home through windows. Managing this solar heat gain is one of the most effective ways to reduce cooling needs.
External shading (awnings, shade sails, deciduous trees) is most effective because it blocks heat before it enters the glass. Internal options like blockout curtains and cellular blinds help but are less effective since the heat has already entered the building envelope.
Focus your efforts on north and west-facing windows, which receive the most intense summer sun. Even simple solutions like reflective window film can reduce heat gain by 30-50% and costs a fraction of the price of new curtains or external shading.
6. Optimise Ceiling Fan Direction
Most people don't realise that ceiling fans have a reversible motor for a reason. In summer, blades should rotate counter-clockwise (when viewed from below) to push air downward, creating that cooling breeze effect.
In winter, reverse the direction to clockwise. This draws air upward, pushing the warm air that naturally rises to the ceiling down along the walls without creating a direct breeze. This can reduce heating costs by helping to circulate warm air more effectively.
The switch is usually located on the motor housing. Some modern fans with remotes have a button to control this function electronically.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Gaps around doors, windows, and through the ceiling allow cooled air to escape and hot air to infiltrate. Sealing these leaks is a one-time investment that pays dividends every summer (and winter).
Common air leak locations include:
- Door frames and thresholds
- Window frames, especially older aluminium windows
- Around air conditioning units
- Ceiling exhaust fans and downlights
- Mail slots and pet doors
Weatherstripping tape, door snakes, and silicone caulk are inexpensive solutions for most leaks. For ceiling penetrations, consider installing airtight covers designed for downlights and exhaust fans.
8. Create a Cool Sleep Environment
Quality sleep during summer heatwaves is essential for health and wellbeing. Focus your cooling efforts on the bedroom during sleeping hours for maximum comfort with minimum energy expenditure.
Use a quiet ceiling or tower fan positioned to create airflow across your bed. Many people find that pointing the fan toward their feet provides cooling without the discomfort of direct airflow on the face. Experiment with fan placement to find what works for you.
Pair mechanical cooling with passive measures: use lightweight, breathable cotton sheets; consider a cooling mattress topper; and keep bedroom doors closed during the day to prevent heat buildup. For more detailed bedroom cooling advice, see our guide to quiet fans for better sleep.
9. Reduce Internal Heat Sources
Every appliance in your home generates heat when operating. During summer, minimising internal heat sources reduces the workload on your cooling systems.
Simple changes include:
- Cook outdoors on the barbecue or use a microwave instead of the oven
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine during cooler evening hours
- Switch to LED lighting, which produces 90% less heat than incandescent bulbs
- Turn off computers, TVs, and gaming consoles when not in use
- Avoid running the dryer—hang clothes outside or on indoor racks instead
A conventional oven can add 2-3°C to your kitchen temperature and take hours to dissipate. During heatwaves, switching to no-cook meals, salads, and barbecue cooking can make a noticeable difference to indoor comfort.
10. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment
When it's time to replace cooling equipment, invest in energy-efficient options. For fans, look for models with DC motors, which use up to 70% less electricity than traditional AC motors while often running quieter.
Check the energy rating label on any new appliance. For air conditioners, the difference between a 2-star and 6-star unit can mean hundreds of dollars in annual running costs. For fans, look for specifications like power consumption (watts) and airflow (CFM or CMM) to compare efficiency.
Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. A more expensive, energy-efficient fan that costs $50 more upfront but uses $30 less electricity per year will save you money within two summers.
Putting It All Together
The most effective approach combines multiple strategies tailored to your specific situation. A well-insulated home with good shading may need only fans for comfort, while a poorly insulated home may benefit more from the AC + fan combination approach.
Start with the free and low-cost strategies—cross-ventilation, managing heat sources, and optimising your existing equipment—before investing in new purchases. Track your electricity bills to measure the impact of changes and adjust your approach accordingly.
With these strategies in place, you can enjoy a comfortable Australian summer without dreading the arrival of your next electricity bill.