It is summer and it is July and it can only mean one thing: hot and soaring temperatures that can only be weathered by a cool and
blasting AC! But we all know what that means for your pocket: a nasty bill at the end of the month or cycle. So how can you ensure you enjoy your summer without having to worry about a high hydro bill? here are some of the best tips to save on electricity this summer while still enjoying it:
Plan ahead
Scan the weather forecast for the next 5 days. Those days with temperatures of 30° (90 °F) or more and with high humidity, it is best to spend them somewhere in a cool place, be it a mall, the beach etc. Unless you are at work, spending these hours outside of your home can add up to significant savings, as you won’t have to turn on your AC. And if you have a programmable thermostat (Nest Learning Thermostat is a good one) , your job will be easier: you can simply program your unit to either turn off or put it on a more energy-saving mode when you are not home.
Avoid cooking
Cooking, especially those dishes that make use of the stove for more than an hour, can heat up your home even more than it already is. On these hot days, avoid using the stove (if you have an electric one, that will add even more to your hydro bill) and just eat a sandwich or something cool (fruits, vegetables etc.)
Use a Fan
Using a fan, together with the AC, will ensure the cool air is transported to other areas of the house without having to crank up the AC to the full. Fans don’t cost much to operate so be sure to use one or more in your home. In fact, when the temperature is not too hot, using a fan without an AC will suffice.
Keep your AC at or above 25 C (78 degrees F)
This is by far one of the most effective methods for a lower hydro bill during the summer. At this temperature, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard and as a result won’t have to use too much electricity. It may still feel hot at this temperature, but after a few minutes, you will get used to it and feel comfortable.
Keep curtains closed
This is an easy one and doesn’t take much effort. keeping the sunlight from your home will ensure it remains cooler. And the sooner you close them, starting at around 11 AM, the better.
Maintain your AC Unit
Last but not least, much like a car, your Air Conditioner needs to be maintained and tuned for proper and optimal operations. One of these is to change the filter, something you can do yourself. And for an annual maintenance check, call a licensed HVAC tech. These will save you at least 5-10% if not more, savings that can add up together with other measures already mentioned above.
Like already mentioned, there are literally hundreds of methods by which you can lower your hydro bill. A simple google search will give you more ways and tips on how to do this. You will be surprised at how many things you currently do-or don’t do-that contribute to a higher bill.