Energy Information

Summer Tips

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1. Programmable thermostats also work with air conditioning units. In summer, when you are away, set the temperature higher (25.5 degrees C or 78 degrees F) and program the system to cool the house shortly before you return. While you're at home, an efficient thermostat setting is 23 degrees C.
   
   
2. Close your window coverings during the day to keep the sun and heat out. At night, pull them back to allow the cooler, evening air into the house through your windows.
   
   
3. Choosing the right size of central air conditioning unit will be more effective than buying one that's too big for your size of house - and you'll save money with a smaller unit. If you use a window air conditioning unit, make sure it fits the size of your window to avoid letting hot air into the house.
   
   
4. Learn if you have enough insulaton throughout your house. Proper insulation also helps cool a house in summer.
   
   
5. Gas furnace pilot lights use energy all year round. Call your heating contractor to have the pilot light turned off during the summer, or ask about replacing the pilot light with electronic ignition.
   
   
6. When going away for a long weekend or more, turn the temperature dial on your water heater to "vacation" mode to save on the energy used to heat the water. It usually takes less than an hour to bring the tank water back up to a higher temperature once you are home again. If away for an extended period, turn off the electric water heater at the circuit breaker.
   
   
7. Turn off the dry cycle of your dishwasher. Just open the door and let your dishes and pots air dry. No energy or dollars required.
   
   
8. Give your dryer a vacation and switch to solar and wind power this summer. Use a clothesline. The retractable ones are easy to keep out of sight when not in use.
   
   
9. Size does matter when it comes to selecting appliances like a refrigerator. The more special features on the unit, such as a butter warmer and ice maker, the more energy it uses.
   
   
10. All lighting and electronic equipment such as televisions, create heat. So use them less to reduce the heat in your home. Also, keep them dust free... they work more efficiently and use less energy.
    
    
11. Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lighting to reduce the heat in your home and the money you spend on electricity... they even come in chandelier sizes now. You'll use up to 75% less energy compared with standard light bulbs and they'll last up to 10 times longer.
    
    
12. Strategic landscaping can help keep your house cool. A mature shade tree on the sunny side of your house can significantly reduce the amount of heat that reaches your home.

To help you learn specifically how you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and what improvements do make a difference, call 416-203-3106 for an appointment in your home with a Green$aver advisor.

By doing each of these, you save on your energy bill and carbon dioxide emissions from your home are reduced, helping to make our community a healthier place!

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