Spring & Summer

Spring cleaning includes making your home energy efficient by:

• Installing a Programmable Thermostat. Properly set, it can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Set your central air conditioner for 25°C when you’re at home and 28°C when you’re away. Better still, use ceiling fans to circulate air. The blades should rotate to move the air down to help produce a cooling breeze.
• Cleaning or Replacing your Air Conditioning Filter Monthly. Dirty filters can restrict air flow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
• Vacuuming or Brushing Refrigerator Coils to make them more energy efficient.
• Keeping the Heat Out. Close your blinds and curtains during the day.
• Replacing your Incandescent Light Bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). 
• Turning it Off. Remember to turn off the TV, computer, stereo, DVD players and lights when you’re not using them. Install a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices at the end of day.
• Using it During off Peak Hours. Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in the morning or in the evening or weekends when electricity demand is lower. When you can, use a clothesline and let the sun and breeze naturally dry your clothes. With time-of-use pricing in place, electricity prices will vary, based on when it is used. This includes by time of day, by day of week (weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer) Please note: Hydro Ottawa is still transitioning to the new time-of-use rate structure. To check pricing please visit the Time of Use Rates section. 
• Signing up for peaksaver^® (if available where you live)  Allow your local electric utility to turn down your central air conditioner for short periods during hot summer weekdays when the demand for electricity is high.

Fall & Winter

Get your Home Ready for the Change in Temperature.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat. Properly set, it can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.  Set your thermostat to 20°C when you’re at home and 18°C when sleeping or away.
• Check for Gaps in weatherstripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and air conditioners. By reducing drafts, you could save up to 30% a year on heating costs.
• Change your Furnace Air Filter Monthly Have a licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional service your furnace yearly to ensure it is operating at maximum efficiency.
• Vacuum Refrigerator Coils to make them more energy efficient.
• Replace your Incandescent Light Bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). 
• Don’t Waste Heat. Close off heat to unused rooms by closing doors. Keep closets doors shut, too.
• Turn it Off. Remember to turn off the TV, computer, stereo, DVD players and lights when you’re not using them. Install a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices at the end of day.
• Using it During Off-Peak Hours. Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in the morning or in the evening or on weekends when electricity demand is lower. With time-of-use pricing in place, electricity prices will vary, based on when it is used. This includes by time of day, by day of week (weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer).
• Please note: Hydro Ottawa is still transitioning to the new time-of-use rate structure. To check pricing please visit the Time of Use Rates section.