Summer Tips for Energy Conservation

Our recent hot summers means that demand for electricity is greater than at other times of the year. Much of this demand is driven by the use of air conditioners. Ontario's peak demand for electricity occurred during the summer of 200 6 when it reached 27,005 megawatts (MW). By way of comparison, the winter record peak reached in December 2004 was 24,979 MW.

Our system has been designed to meet normal customer demand for electricity. However in the summer there is a much higher use of electricity and more possibilities of outages.

AIR CONDITIONING

• Air conditioning can account for up to 50% of your summer electricity bill, so try to use it only when necessary to remain comfortable.
• Proper maintenance of your air conditioner can increase its efficiency by about five percent. You can clean the outside compressor yourself with a hose, removing debris that impedes air flow.
• Clean or replace your air conditioner filter regularly.
• Turn the air conditioner off when you're not home and close curtains or blinds to keep rooms cool.
• If you have central air, raise the thermostat setting on your air conditioner. If you raise the thermostat by 1 degree Celsius, you can lower your electricity bill by five per cent. We recommend setting your thermostat at 25 degrees Celsius.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Set it to turn off the air conditioning when you are away and turn it on before you get home. Contrary to popular belief, this method uses less electricity than having the air conditioning maintain a cool temperature.
• Turn on ceiling fans, rather than air conditioners, to circulate air.
• Open windows at night and use fans to blow in cool air. During the day, close your windows and draw the curtains to keep the heat out.
• Planting the right vegetation can lower your energy consumption. A tree or shrub that shades your central air conditioner can improve its efficiency by up to 10 per cent.

POOLS

• Don't heat your pool at night and let hot daytime temperatures warm it during the day.
• Buy a thermal blanket for the pool.
• Use manual skimmers rather than pool vacuums daily. Vacuum once a week.
• Sign up for a peaksaver pool pump switch on the Horizon Utilities website.

INDOORS

• Turn off lights, computers, stereos and TVs when you're not using them.
• Replace incandescent with fluorescent lights
• Shower and run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in morning or late at night.
• Don't use heat-producing small appliances (toasters, hairdryers) at peak times.
• Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator and keep other appliances in good working order. Or consider buying new enerGuide appliances.
• Keep those fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

OUTDOORS

• Cook outdoors and enjoy your meal on the patio or deck .
• Create natural cooling with shade trees on the west and south sides of your house.
• Dry clothes outdoors. They smell wonderful!

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