Spring in Alberta has a way of keeping you guessing. One week you’re still running the furnace full blast, the next you’re cracking windows and wondering where winter went.
That shoulder season, as unpredictable as it is, happens to be one of the better times of year to look at how your home uses energy and find a few places to trim without really noticing.
A handful of small, smart adjustments can add up to meaningful savings on your energy bills. Here’s where to start.
1. Give your thermostat a spring reset
Your furnace has been working overtime all winter. As temperatures start to climb, take a few minutes to reprogram your thermostat to reflect your spring routine.
A setback of 2–3°C overnight or while the house is empty can make a real difference on your heating costs without any noticeable change in comfort.
Still using a manual thermostat? Spring’s a good time to upgrade and let a smart or programmable model do the adjusting for you.
2. Tackle air leaks before the heat hits
Air leaks work against you every season, letting heat escape in winter and warm air creep in during summer. Catching leaks in spring, when outdoor temperatures are moderate, makes the whole process more comfortable and sets your home up to perform better year-round.
- Check the weather stripping around exterior doors. If you can see daylight around the frame, it's ready to be replaced.
- Run a bead of caulk around window frames and any spots where pipes or wires enter the house.
- Take a look at your attic hatch. It’s one of the most commonly overlooked sources of heat loss in Alberta homes.
- Check the seal along the bottom of your garage door, particularly if the garage connects to a heated space.
These are inexpensive fixes, and most are straightforward to do yourself. If you’d like a more thorough picture of where your home is losing energy, a professional home energy audit will give you a prioritized list of improvements worth making.
3. Change your furnace filter
This one’s so simple it almost feels too obvious, but you’d be surprised how many homeowners skip it. A clogged or dirty furnace filter forces your system to work harder to push air through, which means it burns more energy for the same result. Swapping in a fresh filter takes about two minutes and costs a few dollars.
As a general rule, check your filter every 1–3 months. If you have pets or cook a lot, check closer to that one-month mark. After a long Alberta winter, there’s a good chance yours is ready for a change right now.
4. Make the most of natural light
One of the more underrated spring adjustments is simply paying attention to where the sun is.
- On cooler days: Open blinds on south-facing windows to bring in natural heat and light.
- On warmer afternoons: Close blinds on west-facing windows before the hottest part of the day to keep your home from overheating and your A/C from kicking in.
- On mild evenings: Opening windows instead of running the A/C, even for a couple of hours, goes a long way.
Alberta springs can be cool enough in the mornings that you can air the house out before the day warms up, which reduces the need for air conditioning later.
5. Show your water heater some love
Your water heater runs quietly in the background all year and uses a meaningful amount of your home’s energy. This spring, two quick checks are worth your time:
- Temperature setting: Many water heaters are set to 60°C by default. For most households, 49–54°C is more than sufficient and uses noticeably less energy.
- Sediment buildup: Flushing the tank once a year keeps it running efficiently and extends its lifespan. If yours hasn’t been flushed recently, spring is a good time.
If your water heater is getting older and working harder, it may be worth looking at newer options. The energy savings over time often offset the upfront cost.
6. Rethink your laundry and dishwashing habits
These two appliances use a surprising amount of energy, and both offer easy ways to cut back without any sacrifice in results.
- Wash laundry in cold water. Modern detergents are formulated to work just as well in cold, and you’ll save on water heating costs every single load.
- Run full loads in both the dishwasher and washing machine. Half-loads use nearly the same energy as full ones.
- Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher and let the dishes air dry instead.
7. Do a quick audit of your energy plan
While you're thinking about energy, spring is also a great time to take a look at your electricity and natural gas rates. Are you on the right plan for your household? Are there better options available?
At ATCO Energy, we offer both fixed and floating rate plans for electricity and natural gas, so you can choose the option that fits your lifestyle and your budget.
If you haven't reviewed your plan in a while, it takes just a few minutes to compare your options, and it could make a difference on every bill from here on out.
Your spring energy checklist
Here's a quick summary you can tackle over a weekend:
- Reprogram or adjust your thermostat for spring temperatures
- Check weather stripping and caulk any drafts or air leaks
- Replace your furnace filter
- Open south-facing blinds during the day to naturally warm your home
- Lower your water heater temperature to 49–54°C
- Switch laundry to cold water and run full loads
- Review your energy plan to make sure you’re getting the best rate
None of these are big asks, but together, they can reduce your energy use, trim spring energy bills and build energy-saving habits that pay off all year.
Frequently asked questions about saving energy in spring
What’s the easiest energy-saving change I can make this spring?
Replacing your furnace filter is the quickest win. It takes a few minutes and helps your heating system run more efficiently right away. Reprogramming your thermostat is a close second.
How much can I save by lowering my thermostat a few degrees?
According to Natural Resources Canada, turning your thermostat down by 1°C for eight hours a day can save roughly 2% on heating costs. Over the course of a spring season, that adds up — especially in Alberta where we’re still using heat well into May.
Is spring a good time to get a home energy audit?
Spring is actually one of the best times for a home energy audit. Mild outdoor temperatures mean the results better reflect how your home uses energy all year long. It's also a great time to identify improvements before the heat of summer arrives.
How often should I replace my furnace filter?
Every 1–3 months is the general guideline. If you have pets, allergies, or do a lot of cooking, check it monthly. After an Alberta winter, it's almost always ready to be swapped out by the time spring rolls around.
Does washing laundry in cold water actually clean clothes properly?
Yes! Modern laundry detergents are specifically formulated to work effectively in cold water. You get clean clothes, less energy use, and your fabrics tend to last longer, too. It's genuinely one of the easiest swaps to make.
Should I be on a fixed or floating energy rate?
It depends on your priorities. A fixed rate gives you price predictability and protection from market spikes, which is great if you like knowing exactly what you’ll pay. A floating rate fluctuates with the market, which can mean savings when prices are low but more variability month to month. Compare ATCO Energy's plans here to find the right fit for your household.
