Here are some of the biggest factors that influence your power bill.
Weather
Weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your power bill has to be! Knowing how weather affects your power use is the first step to saving money.
Seasons
The average outside temperature can have a big impact on your power bill. A long and cold winter means your furnace needs to work extra hard to keep you warm. The same is true for summer months. The more hot days we have, the harder your air conditioner will have to work to keep you cool.
Sunshine
If sunlight hits your home every day, your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep it cool. Use blinds or curtains to block out the sun's rays during the summer.
Wind
If your home is not sealed properly, wind gusts can force their way in and push out hot air. This means that your furnace will have to work harder to maintain the set temperature in the winter. Visit Natural Resources Canada to learn more about insulation and air sealing improvements you can make on your home.
Humidity
High humidity can make temperatures feel more extreme. High indoor humidity can happen because of the weather outside. Everyday activities like showering, cooking, and drying clothes can also cause it. You can install a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to control humidity without losing heat. A dehumidifier is a cheaper option that can also make a difference in your home.
Block Heater Timers
It’s a good idea to plug in your vehicle when the temperature drops below –15 °C, but your vehicle only needs to be plugged in for 4 hours. Install a timer on your car's block heater. Set it to start 4 hours before you use your car. This can save you about $100 a year by reducing the plug-in time from 12 hours to 4 hours each night.
The Number of People in Your Home
The more people you have living in your household, the more power you'll use.
Living Habits
Understanding how your habits impact your power bill can help you save money.
Working from Home
If you have a home business, there’s a good chance you are using more power. Having an extra computer running, along with other office electronics, will increase your power bill. Being home all day means you'll use more lights and heat or cool your home longer than someone who works away from home.
Showering
Install low-flow showerheads or purchase low-flow faucet aerators for your sink taps. This will reduce your hot water consumption by up to 50%.
Holidays
Gifts aren’t the only things that impact your wallet during the holidays. You may be spending more time at home entertaining or relaxing. This means you’re using more power than normal. Putting up decorative lighting and spending more time cooking can also add to your bill.
Guests
Overnight visitors can lead to using more heat or air conditioning, more hot water for showers, and running your washer and dryer more often.
Your Home's Characteristics
The age of your home and how well it’s taken care of can affect your power use. Doing regular maintenance on your home can help you save money now and in the long run.
Insulation
Older homes are generally not as well insulated, which can result in heat loss. Visit Natural Resources Canada to learn about insulation and air sealing improvements you can make in your home.
Drafts
Drafts are big power wasters that increase your bills and make your home less comfortable. Weather strip and caulk around windows and doors to prevent air leaks. This can help you save about 10% of your yearly heating costs.
Heating
If your home is heated by electric power, it will consume far more power than a home heated by natural gas.
Trees
The shade provided by a tree can keep direct sunlight out in the summer, keeping your house cool. In the winter, the leaves will fall and allow sunlight to heat your home.
Furnace Filters
Change or clean your furnace filter every 2 months during heating and air conditioning seasons to improve your air quality. A dirty or clogged filter reduces the airflow and forces it to run longer to heat or cool your home.
Room air conditioners and heat recovery ventilators (HRV) also have filters that should be replaced regularly when in use. Some filters are reusable and can simply be washed (per instructions), dried and reinstalled.
Appliances and Devices
The number and type of appliances in your home can impact the amount of power you use. Don't forget — you pay to buy an appliance and you also pay to use it. Knowing what to look for when purchasing appliances and how to use them efficiently can save you money in the long run.
Old Technology
Older appliances tend to use more power than newer models. New technology makes appliances more energy efficient.
ENERGY STAR vs. EnerGuide
There is a difference between the ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide labels you see on appliances. ENERGY STAR appliances and devices are at the top of their class when it comes to energy efficiency. EnerGuide simply shows how efficient, good or bad, an appliance or device is. Purchasing ENERGY STAR products will ensure that your second price tag, the operating cost, is low.
