Across the country, Canadians continue to see energy rates climbing and the National Energy Board predicts that Canada’s fossil fuel use won‘t be slowing down anytime. Increased home energy use means Canadians are spending more each year to heat and cool their homes — but the good news is that there are steps you can take to curb this.
Heating your home efficiently is not only good for the planet, it’s good for your wallet. So how do you keep your bills as low as possible?
There are many contributing factors to higher utility bills in the summer, and knowing where to make both major and minor adjustments can make all the difference.
Consider these energy saving tips when temperatures spike outside and you’ll be able to not only reduce your home energy costs, but also contribute to a reduction in your family’s carbon footprint.
Recommendations for common ways to save money on your utility bill include:
- Washing clothes in cold water
- Upgrading to a smart thermostat
- Upgrading to energy efficient windows
- Upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances
Make these changes and you’ll see major improvements to your home energy costs and your lifestyle.
1. Washing your clothes in cold water requires less energy and washing your clothes at night or during other off-peak times also allows you to cut back the costs on your energy bill. Everyone has to do laundry, but not every load needs to cost a fortune!
2. A smart thermostat can do wonders for your energy bill as it offers unparalleled control over how you heat and cool your home. It allows you to program when your AC turns on and off, and allows you to access it remotely, which means you can keep your costs down by turning on your unit just before you arrive home from work or after a long holiday. Smart thermostats will also learn from your behaviour and anticipate your needs.
3. Sealing doorways, windows and other areas in your home that are airy and drafty can seal in the cool air and keep heat and humidity from creeping in. Energy efficient casement windows with window tints are also a great upgrade to consider as reflecting the light away from your home can help reduce the cost of air conditioning in the summer months. Casement windows also form a tighter seal.
4. Switching to ENERGY STAR appliances will also help you save money and is a great first step to greener living overall. Homes powered by green energy typically see much lower utility bills, and once you take care of your AC equipment or upgrade to more efficient models you’ll start seeing considerable changes in your energy use and cost.
ENERGY STAR certified air conditioning systems with a SEER score of at least 18 and an EER score of at least 13 EER may even qualify you for a major rebate.
If you find a participating contractor who can help you make these upgrades, you’ll be well on your way to major savings this year.
As spring turns into summer, there’s no better time to look into saving yourself some money on your home energy bills. Your utilities can quickly burn a hole in your budget but if you consider the energy saving tips above, you will be cutting the cost significantly.
