For most households, energy consumption matters. Homeowners monitor their energy usage in order to maintain or reduce it. Particularly in this economy, households are paying close attention to electricity costs and their energy consumption. If you’re like most Canadians, you’re probably also looking to conserve energy and save a few bucks wherever possible. In this article, we’ll break down the electricity costs and provide you with tips on how to improve your HVAC system’s energy efficiency to help you save.
Electricity Costs
In Ontario, electricity prices are adjusted every 6 months – in November and in May. That means there’s a new set of rates coming November 1, 2023. For now, these are the rates:
| Time | Winter (November 1 – April 30) | Summer (May 1 – October 31) | Prices (￠/kWh) |
| Off-Peak | Weekdays 7 p.m. -7 a.m. + Weekends + Holidays All Day | Weekdays 7 p.m. -7 a.m. + Weekends + Holidays All Day | 7.4 |
| Mid-Peak | Weekdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Weekdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. + 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | 10.2 |
| On-Peak | Weekdays 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. + 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Weekdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 15.1 |
4 Ways to Save on Energy Consumption & Costs
1. Be Mindful of the Time/Price
The first way you can save on energy consumption and energy costs is by monitoring your usage and prioritizing off-peak times. This means aligning the majority of your electricity usage with the lower rates. This may include washing and drying clothes and running the dishwasher and other appliances during off-peak times.
2. Install a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
Another way to reduce your energy usage is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature to maximize efficiency. You could also opt for a smart thermostat. Many models allow you to adjust the temperature settings remotely through your smartphone, all based on your daily schedule. With this technology, you can create a system that boosts your thermostat’s temperature just before peak hours hit and lowers it when they subside.
3. Upgrade Your System
If you have an old, inefficient HVAC system, it’s costing you more in energy bills than necessary. Improve your home comfort and household energy efficiency by upgrading it. Invest in a high-efficiency HVAC system for maximum savings. You might also consider a heat pump as they’re incredibly efficient. Now is the ideal time to upgrade your HVAC system, too. With fall manufacturer rebates and heat pump grants and rebates, you could save thousands when you upgrade your home comfort system to be more efficient.
4. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Finally, don’t forget that regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. A well-maintained heating and cooling system operates more efficiently, ensuring it uses less energy to maintain your desired indoor climate. This not only reduces your environmental footprint but can also lower monthly utility bills.
Make Energy Efficiency a Priority in Your Home
Ultimately, prioritizing energy efficiency is a win-win for both your budget and the environment. By taking these steps, you can lower energy consumption and, therefore, your energy costs. While it’s true that certain energy-efficient products may come with a higher price tag, their long-term savings far outweigh the upfront cost. Improving your home’s energy efficiency not only helps you financially but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Is it time to make critical energy efficiency improvements?
Delta Air Systems Ltd. has been proudly serving the HVAC needs of the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph regions since the 1950s. We strive to provide our clients with reliable service and cost-effective solutions.
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