Summers in Saskatchewan can be hot, but that doesn't mean that you can't be power smart while cooling off at home
Follow our tips to save power while cooling your home, and you'll also save money and help save the environment.
Save money
Don't pay the PST when you buy an ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher or washing machine in Saskatchewan.
| Tip 1 | Clean or replace your filter regularly |
| Tip 2 | Choose an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner for the best efficiency |
Save power
- Reduce the energy you use for a load of laundry by about 90 per cent by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water. Remember, anything you do to save hot water will cut your natural gas bill as well
- Consider replacing your old central air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old with an ENERGY STAR® qualified air conditioner. You could save up to 50 per cent on the electricity used to run it
- ENERGY STAR room air conditioners use 10 per cent less energy than other new air conditioners. You should consider replacing your room air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR room air conditioner especially if your current unit is more than 10 years old
Save the environment
Find out where to recycle your cooling appliances in the Save the Environment section of the Appliances page.
Things you can do
- When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic)
- Seal any holes with caulking or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, ductwork or vents enter or exit your home
- Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames to prevent air leakage
- Consider planting trees and shrubs in strategic locations to help reduce the temperature and airflow in your house. Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides of your home help to keep the house shaded during the summer's peak heating times
- Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents warm air from coming in and cool air from escaping your home
- Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain
Room air conditioners
- Install the room air conditioner in a north-facing or shaded window; direct sunlight makes the motor and compressor work harder. Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window
- Remove and clean your room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. Look for a room air conditioner with a filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning
- Make sure the 'fresh air' vent on the air conditioner is closed so you are not cooling outside air
Fans
- Turn off fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect
- Use ceiling fans or other circulating fans, (such as table and floor fans) to improve your comfort level and reduce air conditioning costs
