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10 tips to help you beat the heat and save energy
As summer temperatures approach their peak, Hydro One offers some tips to help you keep cool while conserving energy. If you don't have a reliable air conditioner (A/C) to cool your home, check out these safety tips for extreme heat waves. And when hot, humid days give way to rain and thunder, beware the hazards of electrical storms.
Set your thermostat to 25°C when you're home and 28°C when you're out. For every degree you dial up the temperature, you use about 3 to 5 per cent less energy. Or get a programmable thermostat, then set it and forget it.
Draw the curtains every morning to keep out the heat. Blackout curtains, blinds, window film, awnings and other coverings greatly reduce solar heat gain and save your A/C from working harder to maintain temperature.
Consider a ceiling fan: it lets you keep your thermostat 4°C higher without affecting your comfort. Set the blades counter-clockwise for a downward cooling breeze. The best angle for maximum cooling is 12 to 16 degrees.
Humidity makes it feel hotter that it is — the "feels like" temperature measures both relative humidity and air temperature combined. Keep your A/C running to reduce humidity, and use exhaust fans in kitchens and baths to expel humid air.
Blasting your A/C is an inefficient way to cool a drafty home. Inspect windows, doors and vents to spot areas where cool air can escape and hot air can seep in. Then use caulking and weather-stripping to seal the leaks.
Get the air circulating — especially if you don't have an air conditioner. Create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home. If you have multiple storeys, open windows on upper and lower levels.
Plug your electronics into a power bar with a timer, and turn it off during on-peak and mid-peak hours — see how electricity prices change based on Time-of-Use. Keeping devices plugged in all day draws power, even when they're off.
When cooking, opt for smaller appliances like crock pots, toaster ovens and microwaves. Ovens use more electricity and raise the temperature, forcing your cooling system to work double-time. Or head outdoors and use the barbecue.
Check your air filters regularly and replace as needed. And don't forget the condenser — your A/C's outdoor unit. Clean out dried leaves or other debris, and trim foliage back at least 2 feet for good air circulation.
If you've done all you can to keep your cooling system humming, call in the experts. Annual servicing by a licenced heating and cooling contractor can reduce your cooling costs by up to 10 per cent.
For more ways to save year-round, see our Tips and Tools to Save Energy at Home.Want a copy? Download a printable version of the Getting Started guide. Share with your family and get everyone on board with savings!