Tips to reduce electricity consumption during a heat wave
Feelin' hot, hot, hot.
With the summer heat wave rolling across Canada there are some easy tips to reduce your electricity consumption and keep your cool.
To reduce the strain and drain on the electricity system, Canadians are urged to find ways to stay comfortable while using as little electricity as possible, particularly between the peak hours of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As we discovered in Ontario in August 2003, the huge strain on the electricity system resulted in a widespread blackout that lasted days for many.
Food was quickly turning sour in our fridges and freezers. Cars were on empty. You were lucky if you had a propane tank and could barbecue food before it went bad.
It was an opportunity to take life easier -- for some. For others, temperatures rose.
That's why it is always better to stock up on emergency preparedness items including batteries, water, canned food, manual can opener, radio (and batteries), extra prescriptions, propane, full tank of gas, extra cash, and even a generator.
It's better to be safe, than sorry.
So with this in mind, here are some tips to reduce your energy consumption during a heat wave:
- Set thermostats no lower than 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), taking into consideration any health concerns. If you use a ceiling or tabletop fan in conjunction with your air conditioning you can set your thermostat even higher at 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). Make sure to keep all doors and windows closed when air conditioners are running.
- Close all drapes and blinds to keep out the heat of the sun
- Turn off lights in homes and offices
- Unplug all appliances and electronic devices when not in use including computers, printers, televisions, and video game consoles
- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours. Do laundry in the early morning or later evening hours and hang to dry
- Run the dishwasher in the early morning or late evening to minimize the heat load and humidity in your home
- Cook dinner in the microwave or on the barbecue instead of using the oven or stove.
You never know, you just might save some money too by reducing your energy consumption.
By Donna Donaldson, MSN Money
Do you have any other tips for reducing electricity consumption?
Posted by: Gary | Jul 19, 2021 8:51:26 AM
Heat rises and conversely, cool sinks. If you have a basement, you'll find the cool air there.
Posted by: Bruce Cullen | Jul 19, 2021 12:07:55 PM
Don't forget to reduce energy consumption at your place of work as well. The following link includes a number of tips to save energy in small to medium businesses.
http://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/business/technology_tips.html
Posted by: Bob | Jul 19, 2021 3:43:20 PM
Get the nukes online and running full capacity. Cheap electricity.
Posted by: Gary | Jul 20, 2021 2:49:40 PM
Turn everything off.
Posted by: Darwin List Recruiter | Jul 22, 2021 4:09:48 PM
No lower than 26 degrees ? Are you kidding ? Why have an AC in the first place. Try 23-24 degrees. Ohhh, and we all have the time to run around the house unplugging everything in the morning and re-plugging them at night. What "appliances" do you suggest unplugging when "not in use" ? The stove ? The dishwasher ? The washer and dryer ? Ever try pulling/pushing those buggers every morning/evening ?
Maybe if we'd stop being charged the Ontario Hydro "debt reduction" fee on our hydro bill every 2 months, our costs would go down. If I recall, that fee was to pay some executive retirement packages way back when. Still paying those aren't we. Furthermore, HST should NOT be charged on heating and hydro costs... those are necessities... much like food. That would also save us qui9te a few $$$.