Sydney is set for a scorching weekend. Picture: NewsWire/George Chan.
Even with multiple heatwaves on the way, over half of Aussies plan to cut back on airconditioning use this summer in a bid to combat rising electricity prices according to new research from Compare the Market.
Temperatures are set to soar passed 40 degrees in much of NSW this weekend, with the mercury in the high 30s across parts of Melbourne and Adelaide, with meterologists forecasting plenty more days of extreme heat over the summer.
Despite a hot summer forecast which includes a looming heatwave this weekend for Sydneysiders, 51 per cent of surveyed Australians will reduce their reliance on the air-con to cool down this season.
It will be a decision between comfort and cost for Western Sydney residents in particular this weekend, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 44C in Penrith, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Despite the weather, 51 per cent of Aussies are turning off the aircon to save. Picture: iStock.
Forecasts also have Parramatta, Blacktown, Liverpool and Fairfield all reaching between 40C and 43C on Saturday.
While the sea breeze might provide some relief, the BoM has Sydney CBD forecast a 39C scorcher on Saturday.
Despite the sweltering heat, homeowners are doing whatever they can to cut back on their bills.
Power bills in NSW set homeowners back $450 per quarter on average last year according to Canstar, totalling $1800 annually.
On top of this, as many as 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. Picture: Sam Ruttyn.
According to finder.com.au, airconditioning units in NSW cost an average of $0.54 an hour to run, with the average summer cooling bill averaging out to $289.
Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said that with the hot summer forecast, energy consumption may inevitably rise again.
Mr Ford said instead of switching off the aircon, Aussies may be able to make up ground by finding a better deal.
“Rather than sweltering this summer, you may be able to reduce the amount you pay by shopping around for a more affordable electricity plan,” he said.
“Research from our recent Household Budget Barometer shows just 34 per cent of Australians surveyed have shopped around for energy in the past 12 months, which is far too low considering there may be cheaper options available.”
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Sydney’s Coogee Beach will no doubt be a popular destination this weekend. Picture: Jonathan Ng.
According to Mr Ford, energy retailers often change their plans and rates, so there is a good chance homeowners may be paying more than they need to.
“It’s also about being more energy smart,” he added.
“If you’re running the air-con, consider increasing the thermostat to the recommended temperature of between 25°C and 27°C, as each degree cooler can increase your running costs by as much as 10 per cent.”
Mr Ford also recommended timing the running of household appliances.
“If you are on a time-of-use plan, consider doing the washing during off-peak periods when electricity is cheapest,” he said.
“Close windows and blinds when using the fan or aircon and replace older appliances with more energy-efficient units.”
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Homeowners with solar panels can take advantage of the sweltering sun. Picture: iStock.
Those with solar panels will benefit from the blaring sun on the weekend, with 23 per cent of
Aussies telling Compare the Market they are aiming to rely more on solar during the day.
“Of course, if you have solar, use power your system generates during the day or export it to a solar battery if you have one so you can use it during peak times without drawing from the grid,” Mr Ford said.
According to Mr Ford, the time to save is now, without the federal government’s energy rebate offsetting increased energy costs this year.
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