Easy things you can do in your home to reduce your summer energy consumption, save electricity and money, and benefit the environment.

KEEP IT COOL:

• Close your windows and outside doors to keep in the cool air
• Close curtains and blinds during the day to keep out direct sunlight
• Use a ceiling fan or space fan to help circulate the cool air
• Turn air conditioning off and open the windows at night to promote cool air circulation
• Close your fireplace damper tightly to keep cooled air from leaking out

REDUCE THE HEAT:

• Reduce heat gain, consider switching to compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and turn lights off when not in use
• Standard light bulbs use up to 90 per cent of their energy producing heat. Stay cool by switching to LED lighting
• Electronics like computers and televisions generate heat. Turn them off when not in use.
• Because heat-producing appliances have to work harder when it’s hotter (making it more difficult to keep your home cool) use appliances early in the morning or after sunset.  For example, use the clothes dryer at night, or use a clothesline.
• Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven.  It produces less heat, uses less electricity and cuts down on the cooking time.
• Small appliances like toasters and hairdryers heat up your home
• Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible

SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY:

• Turn air conditioning off during times when people or pets are not in the house
• Install a programmable thermostat. Set at 25°C or higher. For every degree your air conditioner is set below 24°C, you will use 3 to 5 per cent more energy.
• Shade your home. Significantly reduce cooling costs by planting trees, vines and shrubs, or installing awnings or patio covers
• Shade your air conditioner. Keep the area clear of weeds and debris. Check your outside air conditioning unit for clogs. Air should flow freely around and through the vent(s). This means the air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
• Clean or arrange for air conditioner servicing as recommended by your manufacturer
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. By replacing your air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR® qualified unit you could use up to 40 per cent less energy. By upgrading to ENERGY STAR® qualified windows you could reduce cooling costs by up to 15 per cent.
• Reduce your overall electrical use by replacing an old energy guzzling refrigerator.  For example, replacing a 20-year-old, 18 cubic feet refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator will result in an annual energy cost savings of about $120-$150