Saving energy with your air conditioner

Keeping your home cool during a heat wave in Alberta can cause your electricity bill to soar! Follow these easy tips to beat the heat while being mindful of energy use. 

Turn off the AC at night.

Thankfully, the temperature usually dips at night in Alberta. When it does, turn off the air conditioner and crack open those windows! Use ceiling fans to circulate that cooler, fresh air throughout your home. When morning comes, close the windows and window coverings to keep some of that cool air inside the house. 

If you have ceiling fans, they can help out your AC! When you use your ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner, you can set your thermostat two degrees higher. This can reduce your AC costs by up to 14%.

Program your thermostat.

When you're away from home, program your thermostat to raise the heat a little. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outside, the less your air conditioner will kick in. When you get home and want to cool off with the air conditioner, reset it to your preferred temperature. The recommended temperature to set your AC in the summer is 26°C.

Using a portable air conditioner.

If you use a standalone, portable air conditioner, close the door to the room you’re in while using it. This will help trap the cool air where you want it and stop the unit from continuously running.

Learn more about energy-efficient air conditioners.  

Energy-saving home upgrades

Making a few changes and adopting new habits can help you save energy around the house this summer. Here are some ideas:

Upgrade your windows.

Up to 25% of all energy lost in a home goes out the window! If your home has older or damaged windows, upgrading to energy-efficient windows will make a massive difference. Choose ENERGY STAR-certified windows, and you can save up to 20% compared to standard models. These windows will have low-E glass coatings, argon gas fill and insulated spacers to help reduce energy transfer.

Learn more about choosing energy-efficient windows.

Install removable or retractable awnings.

Awnings and overhangs can help keep the sun out of south-facing windows. Keeping your windows and home in the shade will make a significant difference. Then, take down the awnings in the winter to let the sun warm the room.

Professional contractors can install retractable awnings over windows and glass doors to help shade the home. They are controlled by a remote and can be put out on hot sunny days and retracted in the evenings or colder seasons.

Choose a metal roof.

If you’re in the market for a roof replacement this year, consider a metal roof. Metal roofs are reflective and can boost energy efficiency in the summer. They prevent the sun’s heat from entering your home! Plus, metal roofs are incredibly durable and long-lasting. It will likely be the last roof you’ll ever buy!

These home upgrades can help keep your home cool and reduce AC use. While they might need an initial investment, you’ll benefit from the long-term energy savings and lower bills.

Start planting.

Plants can boost curb appeal, clean the air and produce shade around our homes and yards. Here are ways you can use plants to save energy in the summer:

Plant trees (and keep the ones you’ve got)!

If you have big trees in your yard, keep them. If you don’t, plant some! Trees and shrubs can produce shade and lower the temperature around your house. They also act as windbreaks and can protect your home. Just make sure you plant the right tree in the right place. This guide on planting trees for energy conservation provides helpful information

Plant vines.

Vines that climb up a trellis or supports can also help lower your home’s temperature. They block the heat, produce shade and look great, too. While these work and look great in the summer, they die off and must be removed before the winter.

Reducing energy use saves money and helps create a healthier planet for future generations. If you think switching energy plans can help you save this season, we’d love to help. Check out our energy plans.