18 ways to save electricity in Energy Month

Since March is recognised as Energy Month, here are some tips you can use to become more energy efficient. We, at the Ladysmith Gazette, will be publishing more of these tips throughout the month. We will also keep you updated on Facebook.

• Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counter-clockwise direction in the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.

• Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.

• Change or clean your air-conditioner’s (AC) air filters at least once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.

• Make sure your AC has a rating – or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) – of 15.

• Make saving automatic: Set your thermostat fan switch to ‘auto’ to save energy. Leaving it in the ‘on’ position keeps air running constantly.

• Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.

• Insulate your walls with injected foam insulation to help you save energy by keeping hot outside air from seeping through porous block walls – check with your local building supply company for details.

• Give your AC a tune-up. Running an inefficient AC system can result in high monthly bills. Plus, you could qualify for a rebate.

• Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.

• Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs and qualify for a rebate toward repairs.

• Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as doors and windows.

• Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-coloured curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light-coloured paint to reflect heat.

• Close unused air vents. If you have central AC, you can close air vents in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.

• Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home.

• Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave – they only cool people, not rooms.

• Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.

• Raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on your cooling costs.

• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature during the day.