Save Energy in Spring with Our Top Tips

Spring is a beautiful time when temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and animals re-emerge from hibernation. However, the warmer temperatures can also lead to increased household energy use and higher energy bills. To help, here are our top tips to save energy in spring:

Service Your Air Conditioner

In spring, temperatures begin to rise, and you may need to start using your air conditioner. Air conditioners consume a great deal of energy – air conditioning accounts for an estimated 12% of the average home’s energy consumption.

Therefore, it is essential to service your unit regularly. If it is running inefficiently, you will be wasting a great deal of energy. It is a good idea to have your unit checked by a licensed Heating, Ventilation and, Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician to ensure optimum performance. Doing so can lower your system’s energy consumption by 15% and save you money and energy.

Replace Your Air Conditioner

If, after being serviced, your air conditioner still emits loud noises and your energy bills are still high, it may be time for a replacement. Make sure to go for an Energy Star certified model, which guarantees the highest level of energy efficiency available. Modern Energy Star air conditioners use 30-40% less energy than similar models sold 10-15 years ago.

Also, pay attention to the EnerGuide label, which shows a product’s energy performance based on Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations.

Use a Fan

If you turn on your air conditioner during a warmer spring day, use a fan alongside it to improve its efficiency. Fans help circulate cold air from an air conditioner, thus cooling a home quicker. For this to work, the fan must be spinning in a counter-clockwise direction in warm seasons. This direction pushes cold air down, creating a breeze.

Initially, you will be using more energy as you will be running your fan and air conditioner simultaneously. However, your home will cool faster, saving you energy in the long run.

Reduce Air Leaks

Air leaks let cold air out and warm air in, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, using more energy. Our Home Energy Solutions team can provide home insulation work and draft proofing to plug such leaks. Additionally, Greensaver is the delivery agent for two programs that offer such services for free to eligible customers:

• Energy Affordability Program
• Home Winterproofing Program

Open Windows

On mild days, opening your windows and turning off your air condoning system is an easy way to save energy in spring. Doing so creates an air breeze that will naturally cool your home.

Replace Windows

If you seal gaps around your windows and are still leaking air, it may be time to replace them entirely. Cool air escaping through windows will cause your air conditioner to run more than necessary and waste energy.

If you decide to replace your windows, make sure to go with models with the ENERGY STAR label. Replacing all of your windows with ENERGY STAR-certified models can save you up to 45% on your bills.

Cook Outside

Save on energy in spring by cooking outdoors with a BBQ when the weather is nice. Doing so will reduce your home’s heat and lessen your air conditioner burden. However, avoid charcoal BBQs which are bad for the environment. Instead, opt for a gas BBQ, which produced much less pollution.

If cooking inside, try cooking with the microwave instead of the oven or prepare non-cook meals such as salads.

Close Curtains and Blinds During the Day

Sun through windows on a warm spring day will heat rooms and cause your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a cold temperature. Closing blinds or curtains reduces the burden on the unit by keeping sunlight out.

Raise the Thermostat Temperature

On warm days, raise the thermostat temperature to save energy in spring. Raising the thermostat temperature will reduce the temperature difference between outside and inside, leading to lower cooling bills. The optimum temperature to stay cool while avoiding high bills is 26°C (78°F).

We deliver two energy conservation programs that offer smart thermostats free of charge to eligible customers – the Energy Affordability Program and the Home Winterproofing Program.

Upgrade to LED Bulbs

Standard incandescent bulbs emit heat when used, raising a home’s temperature and forcing an air conditioner to work harder. On the other hand, LED bulbs emit no heat and consume 75% less energy than incandescents.

LED bulbs can be expensive to purchase, so buy them gradually. Alternatively, Greensaver delivers a program that offers LED bulbs for free to those who qualify – the Energy Affordability Program.

Use a Smart Powerstrip

When plugged in, electronics are drawing energy and producing heat, even when not in use. If you are using your air conditioner on a warm spring day, this will increase your cooling bills.

Smart power strips detect when an appliance is on standby and shut off the power to it. The primary energy conservation program Greensaver delivers – the Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program – offers smart power bars free of charge to eligible participants. 

Dry Your Clothes Naturally

Warmer weather means that drying your clothes naturally is a simple way to save energy in spring. Dry clothes on a drying rack either inside or outside to avoid using your drier.

Service Your Refrigerator

If you plan to undertake spring cleaning, an easy way to save energy is to clean and service your refrigerator. Dust and other debris on refrigerator coils can force the appliance to work harder and use more electricity. Make sure that coils are clean so that air can circulate freely.

Conclusion: Many Ways to Save Energy in Spring

In conclusion, there are various ways that you can save energy and reduce your energy bills in spring. Implementing some, or all, of the measures detailed above will not only save you energy and money but will help protect the environment as well.