Summers in Ontario can bring soaring temperatures and high humidity, especially during heat waves. This leads to added reliance on air conditioning units, which can quickly drive up what you spend on your energy bill each month. Fortunately, there are practical ways to stay cool without overspending.
From optimizing your existing AC system to investing in energy-efficient upgrades, making informed choices now can result in significant savings all summer long. This blog will provide tips to help you keep your home comfortable while minimizing energy costs during Ontario’s sweltering heat waves.
Optimizing Air Conditioner Performance
Your air conditioner will significantly contribute to your energy bill during a heatwave. Making sure it runs efficiently can significantly impact overall costs. Ensure that you change air filters regularly.
Dirty air filters reduce airflow, forcing your system to work harder, which uses more energy. We recommend checking your filters monthly during peak summer use and replacing them as needed. Also, make sure furniture, curtains, and other household items do not block air vents. Obstructed vents limit air circulation, making it more challenging to cool your home efficiently.
Leaky ducts cause cool air to escape your living space into unconditioned spaces, such as attics. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve your system’s efficiency by up to 20%. A thermostat of this type allows you to create a customized cooling schedule that suits your lifestyle. With this, you can let the temperature rise while you’re out and cool things down just before you return. Some models even learn your preferences and adjust automatically to your needs.
Schedule Spring Maintenance for Your Cooling System
Scheduling a spring tune-up with one of our HVAC technicians at Armour Home Comfort can ensure your system is ready for summer heat. Our team checks refrigerant levels, cleans coils, tightens connections, and inspects the blower motor during a typical inspection. These preventive measures help to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of breakdowns during peak usage.
Make sure to keep the area around the condenser unit clear of leaves, debris, and dirt. Over time, these collect around your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, restricting airflow and reducing efficiency.
Keep at least 60 cm (about 2 feet) of clearance around the unit. Also, consider the age of your cooling unit. Older units that are over 10 years of age may not cool your living space as effectively. If uneven cooling becomes a common issue, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Cooling Options
Although the initial installation cost may be higher than with a traditional system, investing in energy-efficient technology saves on your energy bills and enhances your comfort level. When you’re installing an air conditioner, always consider ENERGY STAR-rated products.
These models meet strict efficiency guidelines and use up to 15% less energy than traditional units. The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. These can significantly offset the initial cost.
A modern air-source heat pump functions as both a high-efficiency air conditioner and a heater. This type of HVAC system uses electricity to transfer heat in your living space rather than generating it through fuel combustion.
Heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than electric baseboard heaters and can significantly reduce summer cooling costs. In mild weather, they may also lower heating costs compared to traditional systems, depending on local energy prices.
In Ontario, you may be eligible for incentives through the Canada Greener Homes Grant or Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+), which offer rebates for installing high-performance heat pumps.
Ductless mini-splits are a specific type of HVAC system that delivers heating and cooling without requiring ductwork. You install each indoor unit in a separate room or zone, providing individual temperature control for each area. This means you can reduce energy use in rooms you don’t use often, which leads to lower energy bills.
According to Natural Resources Canada, many homes lose up to 30% of their energy because of leaky ducts. Mini-splits eliminate this issue, making them an excellent solution for older homes or additions that lack ductwork. These systems are easier to install than central HVAC systems, typically requiring only a small hole through the wall for the conduit to pass through.
Ontario summers are not just hot; they’re humid. Heat pumps and mini-splits are effective at dehumidifying indoor air, which will help your space feel cooler even at higher thermostat settings.
Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Energy efficiency doesn’t stop with your air conditioning unit. A well-insulated home keeps the cool air in during the summer. Use weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork. Small leaks can add up, making your cooling unit work harder than necessary.
Attics and basements are common sources of heat gain. Adding insulation in these areas can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce your house’s cooling needs.
One way to reduce heat in your home is to install blackout curtains. These curtains keep the sun’s UV rays out of your living space during the hottest parts of the day, lowering temperatures by several degrees.
Consider Cooling Techniques That Use Less Energy
Changing your daily habits can also help reduce the cooling system load. In Ontario, electricity prices vary depending on the time of day you use them.
Try to run heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, ovens, and laundry machines, during the evening or early morning to avoid peak hours. This will also help to reduce indoor heat buildup during a heatwave.
Traditional incandescent bulbs put off more heat than light in your living space. You can easily overlook this as a heat source, but switching to LEDs reduces heat output and electricity usage. If you have a lot of stagnant heat in your home, use fans to circulate the cool air. This will create a wind-chill effect, making it feel much cooler.
Remember to turn them off when you leave the room to save electricity because fans cool people, not spaces. Anytime it’s cooler outside, open windows on opposite sides of your home to create crossdrafts and encourage airflow. This can help eliminate excess heat in your living space and refresh the air indoors.
Contact a Reliable HVAC Company
Ontario heatwaves can be intense, but with the right strategies, you can remain comfortable without breaking your budget.
Optimize the equipment you already have, schedule regular maintenance, and consider investing in efficient technologies that offer long-term benefits. Add smart habits and a few home improvements, and you’ll be well-prepared to handle even the hottest summer days, without dreading your next energy bill.
At Armour Home Comfort, we are a family-owned company that has been providing comfort to the Ontario area for over 30 years. When it comes to energy efficiency, small actions add up, especially during the summer heat. For all your heating and cooling needs, contact us at Armour Home Comfort today!
