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Wasaga Distribution

Tips & Resources

Energy usage climbs substantially during periods of hot weather, especially for those customers who use air conditioning, dehumidifiers, or have a pool.

  • Close curtains and blinds during the day to shade windows from the sun.
  • Use a clothesline or clothes rack to dry your clothes instead of the dryer.
  • Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to help circulate cool air.
  • Whenever possible, use the microwave, toaster oven, or barbeque instead of the stove.
  • Put your swimming pool pump on a timer.

Fall is an important time to do all of your preparations, inside and out, for the winter months ahead.

  • Seal drafts around windows, doors, air vents, and electrical outlets.
  • Open curtains and shades on sunny days to allow the sun to naturally warm your home; close window coverings at night to help keep warm air inside.
  • Check your insulation, the attic and basement are the first places to consider for more insulation.
  • Arrange yearly maintenance checks on your furnace by an expert to ensure it’s working at peak efficiency.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters.

Approximately 60 percent of the energy consumed by an average home is used for heating and cooling. Several consecutive days of cold weather can put added stress on your home’s energy costs.

  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to push warm air downward.
  • Turn down your thermostats – lowering the temperature a degree or two can help you save on energy costs.
  • Close the heat registers in unused rooms and close the door.
  • Use LED holiday lights and replace indoor and outdoor incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs, which use up to 75 percent less energy.
  • Check your attic – if you have less than 150 mm (15 cm) of insulation, install more.

As spring rolls in, it is time to perform seasonal maintenance around your home. Throughout the winter, snow, ice, and strong winds could have impacted your home’s energy efficiency.

  • Clean your air conditioning unit and get it inspected
  • Examine your roof and siding
  • Open the windows on warmer days
  • Clean off the refrigerator coils
  • Lower your water heater temperature