Keeping your home cool in summer factsheet

Tips for summer cooling

• Open windows and doors in the early morning and late afternoon to allow cool air into your home. Open windows on opposite sides of your home for cross breezes
• Close windows, curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day.
• If you have an air conditioner, a higher temperature setting will use less electricity. Increasing the temperature by 1^oC can reduce energy use by 10%. Set air conditioners between 23 ^oC and 26 ^oC.

Air conditioners

Tenants are able to pay to have fixed appliances, such as air conditioners installed, but written consent and approval from DCJ is needed. Council approval and in some cases, Strata Body Corporate approval, will also be required. Speak to your DCJ Housing Office in the first instance.

Air conditioning units must be installed by licensed tradespeople to meet the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

How much will an air conditioner cost to run?

The running cost of your air conditioner will vary depending on your electricity tariff, how often and when you use it, the temperature the air conditioner is set, and how well you maintain it. When choosing an air conditioner unit think about the running costs. Portable heaters and coolers can be cheaper to buy but expensive to run. More information in relation to running costs can be found at Energy NSW and www.energyrating.gov.au/calculator.

What happens if I move out?

DCJ will usually ask you to remove any alterations when you move out. If DCJ agrees that the alterations can be left at the property, it will reimburse you for them at the current (depreciated) value. If DCJ does not agree for the alterations to be left, and you do not restore the alterations, DCJ will charge you for costs incurred in removing it and restoring those areas affected.

For further information about alterations please see the Alterations to a Home factsheet and for further information about air conditioners please see Air Conditioners factsheet.

Contact Information

You can contact your local DCJ Housing Office or call the Housing Contact Centre (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm) on 1800 422 322.

Handy websites

No interest loans

1800 509 994

Energy.gov.au

NSW Health – How to stay healthy in the heat