Summer Energy Saving Tips
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the warm temperatures have arrived. Summer is here and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the extra sunlight and warmth, but with seasonal change comes opportunities to save energy, so here is a step-by-step guide to save during the hot summer days.
Air Conditioner management
According to a 2019 survey, one in three Albertans has an air conditioner in their home, which means 1.4 million units operate in homes across the province. If you’re one of many Albertans using an air conditioner, you could benefit from effective air conditioner management to save energy.
- Turn off your air conditioner before you sleep. Opening windows at night will let the cool outside air in without sacrificing energy used to run an air conditioner all night.
- Service your air conditioner unit. Regular servicing helps your unit to run at optimal capacity, providing quicker cooling, and improving power efficiency.
- Consider using a portable air conditioner. Popular among homeowners, portable air conditioners provide substantial energy-savings by only cooling one room instead of an entire home.
Managing temperatures
In 2021, Albertans experienced temperatures upward of 40°C, heating up households to uncomfortable highs. Keeping the heat out and saving while doing so may seem like an impossible task, but with a few small changes you can manage the summer’s heat while staying cool in your home.
- Close your curtains during the sunniest hours of the day to block out the warm sun.
- Set your ceiling fan blades spin counter-clockwise. On hot days, setting your fan counter-clockwise will push the air straight down, providing a greater cooling effect.
- Weather trip the warmth away. Additional weather stripping on doors and windows can be used as added insulation, creating a stronger separation of outside and inside temperatures.
Avoiding Appliances
As appliances generate heat and draw power, your home will heat up from basic appliances like TVs, ranges, and computers. Creating a habit of avoiding appliance use during warm days to avoid unwelcome heat generation and energy usage.
- Avoid using the dryer and use the warm weather. Use a clothing line or the hang drying method and ditch the energy usage of your dryer.
- Cook cold meal foods. As appliances give off heat, cooking cold meals like salads, wraps, and bowls will reduce kitchen heat generation and save on energy.
Now, it’s time to enjoy the summer while staying cool in your home. Keep this list handy for those hot days. For more helpful tips, visit our blog.
