Rising energy costs can be hard for Canadian families to manage, especially in the spring and summer seasons when the weather can spike or shift dramatically.
To trim your home energy bill, try incorporating these tips — you’ll find that you’ll not only save money on your utility bills, but also reduce your family’s carbon footprint.
1. Identify and seal any drafts.
Even minor cracks around windows and doors can cause your home to leak air from inside, making it hotter than you want in the summer and colder than necessary in the winter. To stop these leaks, check carefully around your windows and doors each season. If you feel any drafts or discover any noticeable holes, place weather stripping or caulking around these areas.
Here’s a neat trick: to tell if you have a draft, hold a candle in front of your window — if it flickers, you know you’ve got a draft on your hands.
2. Programmable thermostats keep you in control.
Programmable thermostats allow you to have ultimate control over the heating and air conditioning in your home because they allow you to adjust the temperature remotely.
These devices typically rely on mobile apps, and you can set them to work minimally while you’re away during the day at work and then ramp up when you’re on your way home. They can also be programmed to learn your preferences and adjust to anticipate your needs.
You can also program these thermostats to adjust your home’s temperature to a more comfortable level while you’re asleep. Using a programmable thermostat can help you reduce your energy costs by up to 30 percent.
3. Keep your HVAC well maintained.
Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays an essential role in how comfortable you feel at house, so be sure to make sure your AC works before it gets too hot to handle.
A well-maintained HVAC system improves your home’s air quality, and it keeps your home at an optimal humidity and temperature level. In general, it’s a good idea to have your HVAC inspected at least once a year, especially if you notice that you’re having issues with air flow or temperature regulation.
If you do encounter major problems, repairing your furnace or AC unit is more economical than replacing it, and the right team of professional technicians can advise you on the best option for you depending on the size of your home and where you live. In both the short and long term, Air conditioner repair will help you maximize your home’s energy capabilities.
4. Ensure that your home is well insulated.
Insulating your home ensures that it is as energy efficient as possible. This efficiency allows you to keep your heat on lower in the winter and to reduce your need to turn on the air conditioning in the summer. Typically, adding insulation is a simple process, and most extra insulation is placed in the attic.
Well-insulated homes are better able to regulate temperature, and you’ll drastically reduce your utility bill costs. In addition, insulation reduces unwanted moisture in your home and cuts down on the amount of pollution and allergens in your living environment.
Canadian families already have enough to deal with. Rising energy bills should not be one of them. If you want to keep your bills affordable this summer, follow our tips to keep your cool.
