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Increase your air conditioner temperature by one degree. Believe it or not, it could mean significant savings over the long run. Your air conditioner uses three to five per cent more energy for each degree that your air conditioner is set below 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24C)? So, set your thermostat to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25C) to provide the most comfort at the least cost. |
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Opening windows in the summer costs nothing, but it can save a lot of energy and money. Consider keeping your windows open in the evening and overnight to allow cooler air into your home, and don’t forget to turn off your air conditioner. Close the windows during the day to keep the cool air in and the warm air out. |
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If you’re going to be away from your home for a long time, say, on vacation or a long weekend, turn the temperature up. Or better yet, turn the air conditioning unit off.
See our EE Tips video |
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Replace air filters every month. Clogged filters mean your air conditioner works harder.
See our EE Tips video |
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Install a programmable thermostat if you don’t have one already, set the times and temperatures to match your schedule. Also, consider installing an automatic setback thermostat that turns off your air conditioner at night.
See our EE Tips video
Buy a programmable thermostat |
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Bigger isn’t always better. Buy the proper-sized equipment to meet your family’s needs. An oversized air conditioner unit will waste energy. |
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Before buying an air conditioning unit or system, find out its energy-efficiency ratio (EER). Calculate the EER by dividing the unit’s cooling capacity (BTUs/hour) by its energy requirement (watts). An EER of 10 or more is very good, and 6 or 7 is fair. Remember to buy the smallest capacity unit or system that will meet your needs. |
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Have a look at your foundation walls. If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for air leaks by looking for spider webs. If there’s a web, there’s a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement. |
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Ceiling fans use less electricity than air conditioners or furnaces. For example, a ceiling fan costs about five cents an hour to operate, which is much less than an air conditioner.
Buy a ceiling fan now |
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Use awnings and overhangs to keep the sun out of south-facing windows in the summers, and then take down the awnings to let the sun shine in during the winter. You could even plan the overhangs so that they'll shade windows from the high summer sun, but let in the lower winter sun. |
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Without blocking airflow, plant trees or shrubs around your air conditioning unit. A shaded unit uses up to 10 per cent less electricity than it would in the sun.
See our EE Tips video |
Windows and Insulation |
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Consider investing in some insulated, thermal-backed drapes for your windows. |
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Consider upgrading the windows in your home. Select high efficiency windows with low-e coatings, argon gas fill and insulated spacers. |
