NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH HYDRO ELECTRIC SYSTEMS INC.
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Tips to keep cool and save on air conditioning costs during a heat wave
This summer’s sizzling temperatures have Guelph and Rockwood residents retreating to air conditioned comfort, which can add strain to summer electricity bills.
Air conditioning can triple the average daily cost of electricity. To see how much air conditioning is costing, Guelph Hydro customers can sign up for MyEnergy View at www.guelphhydro.com to view their daily electricity consumption.
To keep air conditioning costs manageable, Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. offers customers these tips:
- Set air conditioners to the highest possible comfortable temperature, ideally as close to 25 degrees Celsius as possible.
- Ceiling fans or table fans only cost 2-5 cents per hour to operate. Use a fan at the same time as your air conditioner and the “wind chill” effect will enable you to set your air conditioner higher, saving you money. Ceiling fans should be run in a counter clockwise direction (when you are looking up).
- Use a programmable thermostat to raise the temperature of your air conditioner when you are away and lower it before you come home.
- Keep curtains, drapes and blinds drawn during the day to prevent the sun from adding more heat to a room.
- Keep doors and windows closed when your air conditioner is running.
- Seal gaps in windows and doors with weather stripping to help air conditioners work more efficiently.
- Change your air conditioner filter once a month to help maximize the efficiency of your unit.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
- Don’t run the dishwasher or clothes washer or dryer during the heat of the day since these machines generate heat and humidity. Hang clothes out to dry.
- Cook meals using a microwave or barbeque, and eat outside in the shade.
- Turn off computer equipment when not in use.
By using some or all of these tips, Guelph Hydro customers can stay cool and energy-efficient all summer long.
About Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc.
Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. delivers a safe and reliable supply of electricity to more than 54,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Guelph and Rockwood. The company is owned by Guelph Municipal Holdings Inc. which is, in turn, owned by the City of Guelph. For more information, visit: www.guelphhydro.com
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