Sustainable Living 101

Preparing for Summer: Reducing Home Energy Use

With the summer weather almost here, it is time to start thinking about how we can start preparing our homes for warmer temperatures.  We can all do a few simple things to reduce household energy use - below is a list of actions that can help keeps utility costs down and improve comfort in your home.

• Close the blinds and windows - On hot days it is tempting to open up windows and doors to let the sun shine in. But an easy way to keep your house cool is to keep blinds and windows closed during the day when gone to work or school. By reducing the heat gain from mid-day sun your home will be more comfortable at night.
• Clean your air conditioner - Blocked or dirty air filters and outside condenser coils can reduce your system's ability to push and pull air through vents. Schedule an appointment with a professional for a service check for peak operating efficiency.
• Switch to compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or LED bulbs - Not only do they save a lot of energy, but CFLs and LED bulbs give off much less heat than regular incandescent bulbs, keeping your home cooler.
• Seal air leaks - Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and any openings into your home. During the winter, windows and doors can slightly separate from the frame. This can be remedied with a bead of silicone caulk or sealant.
• Check the insulation in your walls and ceiling -  This does not only effect your winter heating; if there are holes, warm summer heat can build up and find its way into your house, increasing the overall temperature.
• Service your ductwork - Have your ductwork checked to find out if sealing and insulating will increase its operating efficiency.
• Clean out your dryer vents - Clogged vents may cause a blockage and blog warm air back into your house, warming the temperature.
• Re-think the Menu - What's for dinner? This summer celebrate raw foods, outdoor cooking and energy efficiency by matching pot size to element size and avoiding the oven when you can.

If your considering investing in some upgrades for your home, be sure to check out the current rebates available for lighting, windows and appliances from BC Hydro: http://www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/

Also, it's not too late to participate in the LiveSmartBC Efficiency Incentive Program. Get an energy audit and make energy efficiency improvements to your home by March 31, 2013 to qualify for provincial incentives: http://www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/efficiency-home/index.html#steps

Happy Summer!

back