(NC)— Most Ontarians and Albertans think that the weather this summer will be hotter than normal, according to a recent survey conducted for Direct Energy by Angus Reid.
With that, Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy is offering tips to help homeowners consume less:
Maintain your Gear - Schedule a maintenance appointment. Your air conditioner should be maintained annually to avoid costly equipment repairs and to ensure that you're cooling your home as efficiently as possible. Scheduled maintenance will help save you money on your energy bills.
Install Fresh Equipment - Install a programmable thermostat and set it based on your living patterns to control your energy usage. By raising the thermostat's temperature by five degrees Celsius at night and during the weekdays when no one's home, homeowners could save as much as 10 per cent on their energy bill. Also, consider installing ceiling fans - which are more energy efficient than turning on the air conditioner. Don't forget to keep track of the age and efficiency of your air conditioner. If your air conditioner operates at 10 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) then it might be time for an upgrade.
Implement Little Things - Close doors and windows so the cooled air stays indoors. Keeping drapes and blinds closed on sunny days can also save on electricity costs, as can shading windows from the outside. Also, turn off all unnecessary lights as this reduces the amount of hot air your A/C needs to cool. Keep blinds, carpets and furniture free of the vents, so you're A/C can operate efficiently and provide even air distribution. Close vents in less used rooms so you are not spending money cooling those spaces.
More information can be found online at www.directenergy.com or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.
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