Summer in Australia is all about longer days, outdoor entertaining, cooling the house and, unfortunately, potentially higher energy bills. Once the temperature climbs, air conditioners, fans, pool pumps, fridges and other appliances can all work harder and run for longer.
The good news? A little preparation before summer arrives can make your home more comfortable and help manage energy use. From checking your air conditioning to improving insulation and keeping the sun out, there are plenty of practical changes worth considering.
Here are 10 ways to prepare your home for increased summer energy use.
Your air conditioner is likely to become one of the hardest-working appliances in your home during summer. Rather than waiting until the first 35°C day to discover something isn't working properly, arrange a service before the heat arrives.
A qualified air conditioning technician can inspect the system, check its performance and identify potential problems. You should also regularly clean or replace filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Government energy guidance recommends servicing air conditioners before periods of peak use, as a well-maintained system can operate more efficiently.
Need a hand? Finding a local air conditioning tradie through ServiceSeeking.com.au can make it easier to compare professionals and organise the work before summer gets busy.
Good insulation isn't just useful during winter. It can help slow the transfer of heat into your home during summer, reducing the amount of work your cooling system needs to do.
Start by checking your ceiling and roof insulation, particularly if it's old, damaged or has been disturbed by previous work. Depending on your home and climate, wall and floor insulation may also be worth considering.
Australian Government guidance says appropriate insulation in roofs, walls and floors can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
If you're unsure whether your current insulation is doing its job, an insulation professional can assess your home and recommend suitable options.
Direct sunlight through windows can quickly turn rooms into mini-greenhouses.
Before summer, inspect your blinds, curtains, awnings and other window coverings. Pay particular attention to windows that receive strong afternoon sun.
External shading can be especially effective because it stops some of the heat before it reaches the glass. Options can include awnings, pergolas, shade structures and suitable landscaping.
The Australian Government recommends shading windows and using curtains or blinds to reduce unwanted summer heat entering the home.
If you're considering a new pergola, awning or other shade structure, getting quotes from a local tradie can help you compare the most practical options for your property.
Cool air escaping through gaps is essentially money escaping with it.
Check around external doors, windows, skirting boards and other obvious areas for draughts. Weather seals, caulking and door seals can help reduce unwanted air movement.
This is particularly useful when you're running air conditioning because you want the cooled air to stay inside rather than disappear through cracks and gaps.
Energy.gov.au recommends draught-proofing as a relatively simple way to improve comfort and reduce cooling demand.
For older homes, consider getting a professional to identify less obvious areas where air may be leaking.
Fans can be a cost-effective way to stay comfortable without relying entirely on air conditioning. Government guidance recommends using fans before switching on the air conditioner where practical.
Before summer, check that your ceiling fans are clean, operating correctly and free from unusual noises or wobbling.
If you don't have ceiling fans in frequently used rooms, summer is a good time to consider installation. A licensed electrician can assess your home and install suitable fans safely.
And remember: fans cool people rather than actually lowering the room temperature, so switch them off when the room is unoccupied.
Summer energy preparation isn't only about cooling.
Hot water can also contribute significantly to household energy use. Before summer, check your hot water system for signs of leaks, unusual noises or inconsistent temperatures.
If your system is getting old, you could also investigate whether upgrading to a more efficient model makes sense for your household.
Solar and heat pump hot water systems are among the longer-term options highlighted by the Australian Government for households looking to improve energy efficiency.
A qualified plumber or hot water specialist can help you understand your options and determine what suits your home.
Your fridge doesn't get a summer holiday. In fact, it can work harder as temperatures rise.
Make sure there's adequate ventilation around the appliance and avoid placing it directly next to heat-producing appliances where possible. Clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions and check that the doors seal properly.
A damaged or loose door seal can allow cool air to escape, forcing the appliance to work harder.
If your fridge is particularly old or inefficient, summer can also be a useful time to compare replacement options based on energy efficiency rather than simply purchase price.
For Australian households with pools, summer can mean longer pump operating times and increased energy use.
Check your pool pump and filtration system before the swimming season gets underway. If the pump is old, noisy or inefficient, speak with a pool professional about whether an upgrade could reduce running costs.
The Australian Government also recommends considering energy-efficient variable-speed pool pumps and running them during appropriate off-peak periods where your electricity plan makes this worthwhile.
Don't forget outdoor lighting either. Switching older lights to LEDs can reduce energy consumption while still keeping your entertaining areas well lit.
Your oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer don't just use electricity — some also add heat to your home.
Try to avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day where practical. For example, you might run the dishwasher or washing machine later in the evening.
When the weather allows, air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
The Australian Government recommends adjusting appliance use during hot periods to reduce internal heat and cooling demand.
Small changes like these can make your home easier to cool without requiring a major renovation.
Finally, don't wait for your first huge summer electricity bill to think about energy use.
Look at your previous bills and identify when your household typically uses the most electricity. Then consider where you can make improvements.
For cooling, Australian Government guidance recommends setting air conditioners between 25°C and 27°C and only cooling rooms you're actually using. Each additional degree of cooling can increase energy use by around 5–10%.
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Preparing your home for increased summer energy use doesn't necessarily mean spending thousands of dollars. Some improvements are as simple as sealing a draught, cleaning an air conditioner filter or changing how you use appliances.
For bigger jobs — such as air conditioning servicing, electrical work, insulation, window upgrades, shading structures or plumbing — getting the right professional matters.
ServiceSeeking.com.au makes it easier to find local tradies, compare quotes and check reviews before choosing someone for the job. Whether you're preparing one room or getting the whole house summer-ready, lining up the right tradie early can help you avoid the last-minute summer rush.