Alberta summers can be unpredictable, and when the heat waves land, they mean business. When the temperatures climb, staying comfortable at home often feels like a battle between keeping cool and keeping your energy costs in check.
The good news? You don’t need to blast your A/C all day to keep things chill. These energy saving tips for summer will help you stay cool and cut down on costs, so your wallet doesn’t break a sweat.
Block out the heat
The sun can raise indoor temps by up to 10°C if you leave curtains open on a hot day, so stopping the heat before it sneaks inside is key to saving energy in summer.
- Close curtains and blinds: During the day, keep window coverings closed to prevent sunlight from heating your rooms, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
- Install reflective window film: This simple addition helps reflect heat away, lowering indoor temperatures.
- Seal leaks: Small holes and cracks around doors and windows let hot air waltz right in. Grab some weatherstripping or caulk to keep the cool in and the heat out.
Put fans to work
Fans are a powerhouse for cooling, using just a sliver of the energy consumed by a traditional air conditioner. That’s a significant reduction for your energy bill.
- Ceiling fans: Set your ceiling fans to run counterclockwise to push cool air down. Make sure to only use them in occupied rooms.
- Portable and window fans: Use fans at night or in the early morning to draw in cooler outdoor air and push out warm indoor air. For extra punch, position one fan facing in and another facing out for cross-ventilation.
- Turn off fans when not needed: Remember, fans cool people, not rooms. Flip them off when you move to another space.
According to Natural Resources Canada, using fans can lower your air conditioning costs by as much as 14%.
Maintain your cooling equipment
Keeping your cooling system tuned up means real savings and better performance during the intense summer heat.
- Service your air conditioner: Clean or replace filters during summer and schedule a professional A/C tune-up every year to maintain its efficiency.
- Upgrade to an efficient model: If it’s time for a new A/C, look for an ENERGY STAR® unit and compare SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. The current minimum SEER is 14, but higher SEER units mean more cooling with less energy, putting more savings back in your pocket.
An ENERGY STAR certified air conditioner uses 10% less energy than a standard model. Pair this with regular maintenance, and you're in for more savings over time.
Minimize indoor heat
Some appliances sneakily heat up your home and drive up energy use, but it’s easy to stop them in their tracks.
- Limit oven and stove use: Prepare meals using a microwave, slow cooker, or grill outdoors to avoid heating up your kitchen.
- Switch to LED bulbs: These bulbs use less energy and won’t crank up the temperature like old incandescent ones do, helping to keep your home cooler.
- Unplug devices: Electronics generate heat even when not in use. Unplug chargers and unused devices to keep unnecessary heat at bay.
Manage humidity
Humidity can turn a nice day into a sticky mess. When it climbs above 25–30°C, your home feels even warmer. Lowering humidity means your space feels cooler and you use less A/C.
- Use exhaust fans: Run the bathroom fan during and after showers, and the kitchen range hood when cooking, to remove excess moisture and heat.
- Operate a dehumidifier: Lower humidity makes your home feel cooler, letting you raise your thermostat setting or use less air conditioning.
- Open windows at night: Letting in a breeze will sweep humidity away while you sleep.
Adjust your thermostat
Your thermostat is ground zero for summer energy savings. Master it, and you’re well on your way to comfort and control over your energy usage.
- Set it higher: Did you know that raising your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill? The sweet spot: 24–26°C.
- Program for efficiency: Smart thermostats let you schedule higher temps when you’re asleep or away.
- Focus the cool: Close vents or doors in rooms you’re not using and direct the cool air exactly where you want it.
Want to upgrade your cooling game? Book your smart thermostat installation today.
Add shade to your home
Less sunlight means less cooling needed. Even a retractable awning or freshly planted tree can add visible comfort.
- Install awning or shade screens: These block and reduce direct sunlight, helping reduce your home’s temperature naturally.
- Plant trees and shrubs: Landscaping with shade plants blocks sun from windows and walls. It's a simple fix for lasting payoff.
Install heat pumps
Looking for an all-in-one solution that cools you off in summer and keeps you cozy come winter? Heat pumps don’t just heat your home–they can reverse direction and work as efficient air conditioners, moving heat out instead of in.
- Efficiency on autopilot: Heat pumps use far less electricity than traditional A/C units because they transfer heat rather than generate cold air, making them a winning choice for saving energy in summer.
- All-season comfort: With just one system, you get reliable cooling for those hot Alberta days and energy-efficient heating when the snow comes back—no extra gear required.
- Lower bills, less hassle: Modern heat pumps can cut your cooling costs significantly and help reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.
Ready to install heat pumps for your home? Book our A/C installation service to get the ball rolling on your new heat pump.
Book a home energy audit
A professional home energy audit is a smart step if you’re looking to enhance your home’s efficiency and reduce energy costs. Trained auditors specialize in pinpointing areas where your home could benefit from improvements.
This process is more than just looking for the obvious—it’s about uncovering hidden culprits like inadequate insulation, air leaks that sneak in unwanted heat, or cooling systems that aren’t performing at their best. Once the audit is complete, you’ll receive a tailored report filled with practical solutions to make your home as efficient as possible.
Make this summer your best one yet
With these energy-saving tips, you’re all set to take on the summer heat without breaking a sweat or your budget. From small adjustments to smarter upgrades, every step you take brings you closer to a cooler, more energy-efficient home.
