Seasonal energy saving tips for your home

Tips for conserving power 

Here's how residents and businesses can reduce their power consumption all year:

  • Turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances.
  • Minimize the use of space heaters in the winter and air conditioners in the summer.
  • Limit the use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers and washers and dryers.
  • Use cold water for washing clothes – most of the energy used goes to heating the water.
  • Cook with your microwave, crockpot or toaster oven instead of the stove.
  • Limit the use of kitchen or bathroom ventilation fans
  • Use motion detector lights in storage areas, garages and outdoors when possible.

Keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter

Cooling your home in the summer

  • Make sure your window air conditioner is the right size to cool your room.
  • Use portable fans instead of the furnace fan.
  • Cut down the amount of time you run your air conditioner by using a fan to further circulate cooled air.
  • Close your window coverings during the hottest part of the day.
  • Install awnings or shutters to keep the sun out of any south-facing windows.
  • Choose light colours for your roof and siding. Dark colours absorb heat into the house.
  • During the day, when you're running your air conditioner, close your windows to keep the cool air in. Overnight, turn off your air conditioning and open your windows to get a cross-draft.
  • Turn down your thermostat setting or turn it off completely.
  • Make sure your attic vents are unobstructed so air can move freely.

When you're away for winter or summer holidays

  • Turn your hot water heater down, but not below 60 degrees Celcius to avoid bacterial growth.
  • Unplug all electronics to save energy and protect from possible power surges.
  • Close all your window coverings to keep from over-heating the house.

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