Energy-Saving Tips for Summer

Saving energy can be a year-round exercise. We depend on energy for warmth in the winter as much as we depend on it for keeping cool in the summer. That means there are plenty of opportunities to save energy in the summer that may also save you money. Below you'll find some ideas on how you can save energy in the summer while surviving the heat.

Woman lying on couch enjoying air conditioner with remote in hand

Use Your Air Conditioner Wisely

Keeping your home cool during the summer in Alberta can significantly increase your energy bill. Learn how to use your air conditioner wisely. Follow these easy tips to beat the heat while being mindful of energy use. 

To do so, consider the following ideas:

  • Turn your air conditioner off at night. Opening windows in the summer costs nothing and saves energy compared to running your air conditioner 24 hours a day. Keep 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.
  • Turn your thermostat up while you’re away from home. The closer your indoor home temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy you’ll use. When you get home and want to cool off with the air conditioner, it’s recommended to set your thermostat to 26°C.
  •  If you use a standalone air conditioner, close the door to the room where you’re using it. This will help trap the cool air where you want it and stop the unit from continually running as warm air enters.
     

Make Changes in the Home

There are energy-saving tips for summer that apply to many areas of your home. You'll find a few examples below that may help your bottom line while still keeping you cool during the warm summer months.

  • Consider installing an automatic setback thermostat that turns off your air conditioner at night. Doing this will help you avoid those costly mistakes that arise when you forget to turn it off before going to bed.
  • Use a ceiling fan in tandem with your air conditioner. Combining the two lets you turn your thermostat up two degrees and save up to 14 percent on air conditioning costs.
  • Consider upgrading the windows in your home. Look for windows with low-e coatings, argon gas fill and insulated spacers to help trap the cool air inside while keeping the warm air out.
  • Use a ceiling fan in tandem with your air conditioner. Combining the two lets you turn your thermostat up two degrees and save up to 14 percent on air conditioning costs.
  • Use awnings and overhangs to keep the sun out of south-facing windows in the summer, then take down the awnings so the sun can shine in during the winter.
  • Did you know that a reflective roof could reduce the roof surface temperature, depending on your climate? A reflective roof may prevent the sun's heat from transferring into the home or building.
     

By making these changes to your home, you can lower the overall temperature of your house and may have to use your air conditioner less. With less air conditioner and fan use, you might just enjoy cool savings this summer.
 

Use Plants to Your Advantage

Finally, you may be able to save energy this summer by making changes to the foliage around your home. Consider these energy-saving tips for the summer:

  • Those living in rural areas can save on energy costs by planting trees and shrubs as windbreaks. Even a few well-placed trees can make a difference.
  • Strategically position plants and trees outside your windows for shade from the sun's heat. Planting the right trees in the right places can help you save energy by keeping your house cooler, thus reducing the need to turn on the air conditioner.
     

Note: These tips are suggested as general practices.

Actual results may vary. When you’re thinking about ways to save energy in the summer, spend some time reviewing all areas of your home. Start with your air conditioner and go through the list of suggestions above. You can also take a look at our different energy plans to see if there’s potential for extra savings this summer. Stay cool!