Air conditioners can add hundreds of dollars to your summer bill, but if you’re smart about being cool you may not need that expensive air conditioner.

Ceiling fans are very cost effective. They cost less than one cent an hour to run compared to 30 to 40 cents an hour for a typical air conditioner. Ceiling fans are a great option for overnight use in bedrooms during summer.

Ceiling insulation can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius in summer and reduce cooling costs by as much as 40 per cent.

Houses gain a lot of heat through windows exposed to direct sun. Providing external shades for windows affected by direct sunlight reduces heat much more effectively than curtains.

Well located trees, trellised vines or pergolas can also provide effective external shading for your home. Deciduous trees provide summer shading while letting though warming winter sun when they lose
their leaves.

Many parts of Sydney enjoy cool evening sea breezes. Allow these  breezes to cool your home by opening windows, louvres or doors on opposite sides of your home to capture the breeze.

PAUL MYORS is an energy efficiency expert from EnergyAustralia.