Seasonal Household Routines to Maximise Energy Efficiency

In the diverse and ever-changing Australian climate, energy efficiency isn't just about the technology we use; it's also about integrating energy-saving practices into our daily lives.

Summer (December to February)

Early Morning Chores: Completing energy-intensive tasks in the early morning can be desirable to avoid adding heat load to your home during the long, hot summer days.

However, from a renewables perspective, it's best to time-shift as much usage as possible into the renewable generation times, even if you don't have solar yourself, because this minimises the need for fossil generation. This means using your appliances in the middle of the day.

For solar households, it's a no-brainer to focus on maximising self-usage during the day, because you'll be using your own free solar generation, and even if that results in some increased heat load, you can offset that with your own self-powered air conditioning.

For non-solar households, it's trickier - if you shift your energy usage to the middle of the day, you'll be offsetting fossil generation that otherwise would be required, but you'll also be increasing heat load, and if you're on a time-of-use tariff, you'll be paying shoulder rates for that usage rather than off-peak.

Smart Use of Appliances: Use programmable timers on appliances to run during off-peak hours. Running your pool pump and other high-energy devices at night can save on energy costs and reduce strain on the power grid during peak hours.

Indoor Cooking Alternatives: Embrace outdoor barbecuing or use microwave ovens or an air-fryer instead of traditional ovens or stoves. This can minimise excess heat buildup indoors, keeping your home cooler.

Autumn (March to May)

Maximizing Natural Light: As the intensity of the sun lessens, opening blinds and curtains to let in natural light can help reduce the need for artificial lighting and provide some natural warmth.

Strategic Heating: Begin shifting your heating routines. Use space heaters judiciously in occupied rooms instead of central heating to reduce energy consumption. Wearing warmer clothing indoors will minimise the need for extensive heating.

Gardening in Comfort: Autumn is an ideal time for gardening and outdoor maintenance, as the cooler weather makes these tasks more comfortable, reducing the need for cooling breaks and thereby conserving energy.

Winter (June to August)

Make Use of Daylight Hours: With shorter days and colder temperatures, plan activities that require more energy during daylight hours. Tasks like ironing, cleaning, or baking can be more pleasant when it's warmer, and the heat generated by appliances can help warm the home.

Evening Routines: Shift activities such as showering or bathing to the evening. This helps add warmth to your home during cooler parts of the day and can be a comfort during cold winter nights.

Heating Efficiency: Seal your windows and doors to prevent heat loss. Using rugs and throws can also add warmth to living spaces, allowing for lower thermostat settings on heating systems.

Spring (September to November)

Air Out the House: As the weather warms, open windows in the morning to circulate fresh air and close them as the day heats up to keep the cool air inside, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Energy-Efficient Laundry Practices: Take advantage of the milder weather to air-dry clothes. This not only saves energy but also takes advantage of the fresh spring air for naturally fragrant clothes.

Pre-Summer Checks: Spring is the perfect time to service your cooling systems to ensure they are running efficiently for the upcoming hotter months. Clean filters and check for any maintenance needs.

Year-Round Energy-Saving Tips

1. Smart Technology Use: Employ smart home technologies such as thermostats, which can automatically adjust heating and cooling based on your daily routines and external weather conditions.

2. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs, which use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last much longer. Make a habit of turning off lights in unoccupied rooms.

3. Conscious Water Usage: Be mindful of water usage, as heating water can be energy-intensive. Taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using cold water for laundry can contribute to energy savings.

Conclusion

Adapting your household routines according to the Australian seasons is a simple but effective way to improve energy efficiency. These changes, ranging from how and when we use our appliances to how we heat and cool our homes, can lead to significant savings in energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. By being conscious of our energy use and adjusting our routines with the seasons, we can all play a part in conserving energy and protecting our environment.