SOUTHERN Downs residents are being reminded of the high price of keeping cool as air-conditioner use soars during the in the wake of near-record heat.  

Ergon Energy is urging its customers to think smart when using air-conditioning to keep cool, as temperatures climb into the 40s across the region.  

Ergon Energy general manager of service delivery north Paul Ryan said air-conditioners consumed large amounts of electricity and made up a significant amount of the quarterly power bill.  

"Air-conditioning can account for up to 40% of many homes' electricity bills each summer," he said.  

"Constant use of air-conditioning could lead to an unexpected quick jump in energy bills, which may come as a surprise to many people."   

Ergon spokesman Energy Corporate Communications Manager Far North Mark Timmerman said dollars could add up quickly when running two or more air-conditioning units all day.  

"The average air-conditioning unit can cost 50-plus cents per hour to run," he said.   There are a few simple solutions to save power without sacrificing comfort, according to Mr Ryan.

"We urge our customers to set their air-conditioners to an energy-efficient 25 degrees and use fans to circulate cool air," he said.  

This helps the air-conditioner distribute cool air to where it's needed, according to Mr Ryan.  

"Turn your air-conditioner off when you're out and close doors and windows in areas you want to cool," he said. Mr Ryan urged residents to use should consider using fans to keep cool instead of air-conditioners.  

"If the weather allows, open your home to create cross breezes and use ceiling fans to keep cool," he said.  

For more tips on how to save energy cooling your home, visit ergon. com.au

Energy-Saving Tips

• Set air-conditioners to 25 degrees
• Use fans to circulate the cool air
• Turn off air-conditioners when not at home and close doors and windows in areas you want cool
• If weather allows, open the home to create cross breezes
• Use pedestal fans or ceiling fans to keep cool instead of air-conditioning