Summer Energy Efficiencies

All winter we look forward to the balmy days of summer when throwing on shorts and sandals is a welcome change from layers and boots!

But all that lovely heat can also bump up monthly home expenses and impact your budget. Below, some energy efficiency reminders to help you manage those costs.

✔︎  Weatherproof and insulate your home to keep cool air/air conditioning in.

✔︎ Keep an eye on nighttime temperatures. Open windows and turn off the AC if temperatures are forecast to drop below your indoor temperature.

✔︎  Check your AC unit each spring before you turn it on, and have it serviced annually (including changing your air filters) to keep it in peak working order.

✔︎ If you have southern and western exposures in your home, close your curtains or blinds during the day to keep the temperature from climbing, reducing how hard your AC has to work.

✔︎ Defrost your freezer if it isn’t a frost-free model. Ice build-up on the inside makes appliances work harder and shortens the appliance’s lifespan too.

✔︎ Raise your thermostat a degree or two. The AC will still reduce the humidity in the air, but if you can stand a slightly warmer indoor temperature, it will save on your energy bills.

✔︎ If you haven’t done so already, go through your home and replace your lightbulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are cooler than most other bulbs, and every little bit helps. That isn’t really a seasonal tip, but it can make a big difference to hydro bills monthly!

✔︎ If you have one or can add one, use a clothesline to dry your clothes, rather than the dryer. If a dryer is your only option, use it on a low heat setting.

✔︎ Cook using your barbecue whenever possible. Microwaves and slow cookers also use less energy and generate less heat than stoves and ovens.

✔︎ Use ceiling fans when you can, instead of AC, but make sure you remember to reverse them for summer weather. (The blades should turn counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter.

✔︎ When running your dishwasher, use the "no heat" setting to dry the dishes.

✔︎ Install a programmable thermostat. It could help you save on both cooling and heating costs throughout the year.

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