Seasonal Energy Efficiency

For the Spring

If purchasing an air conditioning unit or system, make energy efficiency a feature to look for and consider the smallest capacity unit or system that will meet your needs.
This is a good time to check for heat loss in an unfinished basement or crawlspace to determine if added insulation and/or additional vapour barriers are needed.
Check and clean all ceiling, bathroom and kitchen fans and install timers if appropriate.
If purchasing new draperies, look for insulated panels to help keep the sun out in the spring and summer and the heat in during the fall and winter.
Check around any sliding glass door seals for leaks and ensure the track is clean to allow for smooth and tight closing.

With air conditioning – during the day close the windows to keep the cool air in and the warm air out. Overnight, open windows to get a cross draft. Depending on the outside temperature, turn down the thermostat setting or turn it off altogether. Each degree increase can save up-to-four per cent in energy.
Use awnings and overhangs to keep the sun out of south-facing windows in the summer.
Summer is a good time to check your windows for drafts or cracks and if necessary to re-caulk or upgrade to Energy Star^® rated units.
During summer holidays away from home:
- Turn down the temperature or turn off hot water heater.
- Unplug all electronic loads to save energy and protect them from possible power line surges.
- Close all draperies to ensure the sun’s heat doesn’t overheat the house, especially if you have air conditioning.

Read Climate Change Central's Chill Out Without Plugging In for more keeping cool and saving energy information.

Inspect insulation levels in exterior walls, crawlspaces, basements and attics and add more if necessary (see recommended levels in the Heat Loss section).
Check all windows, doors, light switches and electrical outlets for air leakage. For example, hold a tissue over each to determine if there is a leak. If necessary, upgrade caulking, weather stripping or in the case of switches and outlets, take off the cover only and install specifically designed gaskets.
Check the furnace filter and clean, or replace if it has not been changed in the last three months.
Install pipe insulation on all hot water outlet pipes to cut down on heat loss.
Check all heating vents to keep clear of furniture or overhanging draperies, and make certain they are clean and fully open to ensure proper air circulation.
Research indicates conventional wood fireplaces are at most 10 per cent efficient. Check the chimney damper to ensure proper closing or have a qualified contractor check it and replace if necessary. Ensure the damper is always closed when the fire is completely OUT. New high efficient advanced combustion fireplaces are up-to-60 per cent efficient.

Read Climate Change Central's article Fall into Efficient Home Heating for additional energy-saving tips.

Install timers and power saver cords for automobile block heaters and interior car heaters. Read:
- ATCO EnergySense's
  Vehicle Heaters
- Climate Change Central's
  Block Heater: Blanket or Energy Hog
- EPCOR's
  Winter Savings: Timers and Power Saver Cords
Check the heating system through a qualified contractor to operate at optimum efficiency.
Turn back the furnace thermostat at night and during the day if you are not at home. Every 1° C setback can save up-to-two per cent in energy costs. Read more about turning the furnace thermostat back.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Check air vents regularly to ensure nothing is preventing the air from circulating freely.
Avoid heating un-insulated areas such as the garage, crawlspace or attic.
Close doors and warm air supply registers in unused rooms.
Check all doors leading to un-insulated and/or unheated areas such as garages, cold storage rooms and basements. Replace with insulated doors if necessary.
Open the draperies during the day on south-facing windows and close at night.
Adjust any lighting timers to accommodate changes in daylight hours.

Read Climate Change Central's article Fall into Efficient Home Heating for additional energy saving tips.

Buy light emitting diodes (LEDs) bulbs, which provide over 90 per cent energy savings, compared to traditional bulbs. In addition, they are much more durable and are rated for a 10-year life. They come in a variety of colours and shapes, in strings up to 70 lights, and produce little heat compared to conventional bulbs. LEDs are available for indoor or outdoor use.
Install timers on the lights, switching on at 7 p.m. during week days to avoid the electricity peak.
Good meal planning will save energy.
Oven-bake as many items at the same time as possible.
Use small appliances when appropriate, such as a toaster oven, in place of the large oven.

For more holiday season energy saving tips, visit