As the year winds down and temperatures start climbing across South Australia, now is the perfect moment to prepare your home for a cooler, more comfortable summer. A few practical, affordable upgrades can deliver real efficiency, better comfort, and everyday savings you can actually feel.

Here’s what to focus on before the heat arrives:

1. Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest payoff.
Replacing old incandescent or halogen bulbs with modern LEDs can cut lighting energy use by up to 85%—and because LEDs produce far less heat, your home stays cooler.

If you still have halogen downlights, upgrading to integrated LED downlights is a major win: they’re safer, seal ceiling gaps better, and keep more of your cooled or heated air inside where it belongs.

2. Improve Draft-Proofing for Better Comfort

Even the smallest gaps allow hot summer air to sneak in.
Adding door and window seals is an easy, low-cost upgrade that helps maintain stable indoor temperatures and reduce the workload on your air-conditioning system.

This is one of the fastest ways to achieve tangible results—comfortable rooms and lower bills.

3. Upgrade to an Efficient Showerhead

Hot water consumption is often overlooked, but it can be a major contributor to energy bills.
Installing a water-efficient showerhead delivers honest, long-term savings without sacrificing comfort. It reduces both electricity and water use, making it a double win.

4. Clean or Replace Your Air-Conditioning Filters

With hotter days on the way, your air-conditioner becomes essential.
A clogged filter forces the system to use more energy and cool less effectively. Cleaning or replacing filters ensures reliable performance throughout the summer.

A quick five-minute task that pays off all season.

5. Consider High-Efficiency Appliance Upgrades

If you have an older fridge, air-conditioner, or heat-pump system, etc., upgrading before summer can help you stabilise costs.
Modern appliances use significantly less energy and deliver more consistent comfort during heatwaves.

YESS doesn’t provide fridge recycling or decommissioning services. Any mention of appliances or recycling here is about rebates only. For disposal or recycling, please check with your local council.

6. Use Natural Light & Smart Shading

Opening blinds early to use natural daylight reduces reliance on artificial lighting, while shading windows during the hottest hours keeps indoor spaces naturally cooler.

Simple habit shifts → everyday savings.

These upgrades require minimal effort, but the benefits are real: lower bills, better comfort, and a home ready for the summer ahead.