Here are three summer cooling tips to save energy:

1.  Take care of your air conditioner

Your air conditioner is your best defence against the summer heat! It is also the biggest consumer of energy in the summer. Here are some ways to care for your AC and adjust the thermostat to lower those energy costs.

Change the air filter!

Regularly changing your HVAC’s air filter will ensure proper airflow, performance and efficiency. A clogged filter strains the system and can allow dust and allergens in your indoor air. Plus, if your AC works harder than it should, it will start to wear out and need repairs.

Get an AC tune-up.

Have a professional HVAC technician inspect and tune up your air conditioner each spring. They’ll do a multi-point inspection, make adjustments for performance and minor repairs if needed. Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency, prevents major breakdowns and extends the life of your cooling system.

Adjust the thermostat.

Programming the thermostat to adjust the temperature during the day can lead to substantial energy savings! For example, keep your house a little warmer when you’re gone for the day. Even a two to three-degree difference can lower your utility bill. If you are away for an extended period, like on vacation, turn off the air conditioner entirely. Then, you can program your thermostat to turn on the AC again before you return, so you arrive home to a cool and comfortable house.  

2.  Save energy with smart appliance use.

Being mindful of how you use your home appliances and electronics can help you save energy this summer. Here are some habits you can adopt to use less and save.

Conserve energy in the laundry room.

When doing laundry, wash and dry full loads every time. Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water. It uses less energy, and cold water will help keep your colours bright! Choose to hang your laundry to dry instead of using the dryer.

Conserve energy in the kitchen.

Your refrigerator uses a lot of electricity. Check the temperature and ensure it’s set to the manufacturer’s recommended settings for your fridge’s make and model. If it is running too cold, it could be costing you. Make sure you’re keeping the door closed when you can. If you leave it open too long, it will use up lots of energy to reach the right temperature again.

And a full fridge is a more efficient one! The food and drinks in your refrigerator are easier to cool than air. Just make sure the air can circulate freely.

Avoid using the oven on hot days. It can increase the room temperature, and your AC has to work even harder to bring it back down. Instead, consider using a slow cooker, toaster oven or pressure cooker. Even better, cook outside on the barbeque!

Conserve energy with electronics.

Turn off your electronics and devices instead of having them on standby or low-power mode. Electronics like televisions, computers, and gaming consoles drain power unless turned off completely. Installing a power bar for these devices can make shutting them down easier.

3. Consider your home decor

The things in our homes can be tools for energy conservation. Here are some examples:

Use drapes and window coverings.

Keeping your drapes drawn, especially on the west and south-facing windows, can prevent extra heat from getting in. Dark, thick drapes or highly efficient honeycomb shades can add another layer of insulation. When the sun goes down and things cool off, open those windows and let the cool air circulate through the house.

Install LED lights.

If you have incandescent lightbulbs in your lamps and fixtures, it’s time to swap them out for a more efficient option. LED bulbs use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they emit less heat, which means less work for your AC.

Use your ceiling fans.

Your ceiling fans can’t make the air colder, but can help circulate air. Airflow can help make things feel more comfortable. Just remember to turn the fans off when you leave the room.