6 ways to reduce your energy use this summer in Ontario

It's hot out there, folks! As you start your summer adventures in Ontario, dealing with the heat can strain your finances and the province's entire grid.

That's why it's always a good idea for home and business owners to consider how they can reduce energy intake without sacrificing comfort.

Did you know there are actually several small changes you can make to your day-to-day to help lower energy use? Here are a few.

Peak Perks

One simple way to make a difference is by enrolling in Peak Perks, which can help support Ontario's grid on the hottest summer days. Using brief, automatic thermostat adjustments, the program automatically modifies a smart thermostat during peak usage hours on weekdays excluding statutory holidays.

It's incredibly easy and works silently in the background, meaning zero work for home and business owners. During the hottest summer weekdays, the thermostat will make brief, automatic adjustments of up to 2°C, typically for no more than 3 hours, between June 1 to September 30.

Air drying clothes

Air drying your clothes is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy use in the summer. Skip the dryer and hang your clothes out in the yard in the warm sun.

Not only are you saving money and energy, but you're also skipping out on shrinking your new linen summer dress!

Washing clothes in cold water

Speaking of clothes, did you know that simply switching to cold water while using the washing machine is another energy-efficient move? Since the water doesn't have to be heated, you're drastically lowering the energy consumption of your machine.

So many detergents are cold-water compatible nowadays, so there's no need to worry about the cleanliness of your garments.

Blinds

During the warmer months, having the sun shine through your windows and illuminate your home is always a beautiful sight — but did you know it can drastically warm up your home? And because of that, you'll be cranking the AC higher to counteract the heat.

Consider blinds for your windows, ones that work specifically to block the rays with an insulating barrier, slowing heat transfer and preventing solar gain. 

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are another great product to add to your arsenal of energy reduction. While they may not be suitable to replace your air conditioning unit entirely, they certainly work to keep your home cool.

Rotate your ceiling fan counterclockwise for a cooling effect, which forces air straight down to create a colder feeling. This can make a room feel several degrees cooler and reduce the usage of an air conditioner.

Consider your timing

Electricity use in Ontario peaks in the afternoon, when most people start to run their air conditioners on higher settings.  As a result, you'll pay the highest price during peak hours, usually from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays in the summer.

This is where smart thermostats come in handy. They can be scheduled in advance for when people are away from home, or controlled from a smart device.

To save on energy and money, consider when you turn your AC on. Maybe you can put the appliance on a lower setting while you're out of the house — or maybe you wait until early evening to cool down the home.

Sign up today

Even better? Eligible participants get a $75 payment when they enroll, plus $20 each year they stay enrolled in the program. Now that's a double win.

Make the most out of your summer with Peak Perks. Learn more about the program, which is already trusted by more than 330,000 participants, and get ready for cooling and energy savings.