When it comes to using air conditioners, Australians are big on bad habits.
It's a problem that equals big energy bills, especially when summer hits.
With Sydney currently battling a two-day heat wave that will see temperatures hit 40 degrees it is the perfect time for bad air conditioning habits to return.
It is a problem that could cost Australian families nearly $2.5 billion according to new research from Mozo.
“It’s a case of less chill, lower bill for the many Aussies who are unnecessarily leaving the air-conditioning on to enjoy little luxuries like keeping the kitchen cool while you use the oven or returning home to a chilly house," according to Mozo director, Kirsty Lamont.
"These bad habits could potentially add a whopping $686 to the summer energy bill."
The survey found that Australians are particularly guilty when it comes to leaving the air conditioner running when they go out in order to keep homes cool, with 42 per cent of respondents admitting to the bad habit.
Even more expensive for summer budgets is the tendency to leave the air conditioner on while sleeping.
“It seems many of us are not willing to kick off the covers on a hot night, with nearly three in 10 admitting to leaving the air-conditioning on overnight to sleep under a doona," she said.
"This is Australia’s most expensive bad habit, with an eight hour a night AC habit adding around $270 to your bill over the summer, or $1.1 billion nationwide."
Big energy users are also likely to leave the air conditioner on for pets during the summer heat.
An estimated 26 per cent of Australians admitted they would leave air conditioning on for pets during the day at an estimated cost to individuals of $216 over the summer period.
“Leaving the AC on for a dog or cat might be necessary during a heat wave, but over a quarter of people are leaving the air on for a pet while they go out when there might be a cool shady spot outside or a fan that can keep them comfortable inside,” Lamont said.
"Aussies should rethink their air conditioner habits as there is nearly $700 in potential savings on offer.
“If it’s truly sweltering and you need to have the air on, there’s no need to mimic the Arctic – keeping the air-conditioner set to a comfortable 24 degrees in summer could save big dollars, with each extra degree cooler adding 10 per cent to your bill."
Energy saving tips for summer include:
Relegate the doona to the cupboard and use a sheet - and only turn on the fan for really hot nights.
Make the most of the cool night breeze by opening windows and doors (but install fly screens to keep out those mozzies).
Make sure you’re getting the cheapest deal possible by comparing other providers and plans.
Leaving home for the day? Keep the AC off and the house cool by closing windows and blinds.
Install a cat or dog door so your furry friends can find the coolest place possible, unless it’s a heatwave and they really need relief.
Make the most of warm summer nights by cooking on the BBQ, or sticking to salads and quick meals that don’t require an oven.
When the AC’s running close windows and doors and use a door snake to keep the cold air in and turn it off once the room is cool.