Summer: The Money Saving Guide
That’s right, I said it. It may not be summer yet, it may not even be spring (technically). Yet today, I look out as I write this saving guide, there are birds in the air, sun on the eaves and even a daffodil. I am ready for some sunshine, as I think most people in Australia might be. On top of being just swell, as seasons go, it can also save you money. Here’s how.
AC Off
Yes, it will be hot. But after complaining for the past six months about how cold I was, I’m willing to take it on. To save money in the hotter months, choose your air conditioning moments with care. If the night is a bit cooler, open up all your windows a couple of hours before you go to bed, and you’ll have less need for the AC. Or work out which doors open up to get a cross-breeze coming through the house. A worthwhile investment would be fly-screens, as the money you spend on putting them up will be saved very quickly on AC costs. And, after the winter we’ve just had, and the heating we (or, at least, I) have had to use, we should see a difference on our electricity bills.
Cook Outside
Is there anything better than cooking outside on a balmy evening? I’m going to hazard that it’s the bomb. On top of which, it’ll save your house from being exposed to the heat of a stove or oven and give you less need for the AC. Worries a BBQ will be too expensive? Ask around for some spare bricks and build one yourself- all you need is bricks and a hot plate. Yes, it might take a long time to heat up using fire, but that’s all part of the fun.
Outside Laundry
Nothing chews electricity like a dryer, so in the warmer months, do your bit for the environment and your finances and hang everything out on the line. Even if you only air-dry things to finish them off, you’ll still be saving money. And nothing bleaches white sheets like au natural sunlight, so you’ll be saving money on cleaning products into the bargain.
Filters
A blocked air conditioning filter is going reduce the efficiency of your machine, making you increase up the settings with very little effect. Filters are as cheap as chips, so replace them regularly. The cool air will get to you with greater speed, and much less effort.
Get Out There
If winter is the time to hibernate, then summer is the season to make up for lost time. Get out there, and cancel the things you won’t use over the period. Suspend your gym membership, and enjoy the outdoors as your way of staying fit. You could save a couple of hundred dollars by going to a run around your local neighbourhood and enjoying the sunshine. Cancel your pay TV subscription as you’ll be less likely to bunker down in the lounge room as early. Cook light meals and eat them al fresco. Keep an eye out for great off-season specials, and buy your swimmers at the end of summer to get the best deals. Next winter could be just as cruel as the last, so let’s get into summer as much as we can.
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