Home Renovation - Home Energy Efficiency

After a wet, cool summer, the temperature is finally rising in Toronto. But keeping the house cool and the pool or hot tub heated, can make energy costs rise with the temperature. Here are some tips from Natural Resources Canada to keep a room cool and use less energy when using a room air conditioner:

* Select the warmest thermostat setting that delivers an acceptable level of comfort. A setting of at least 25C is recommended.

* Don't let heat build up all day and then, in an effort to cool quickly, switch your air conditioner to its maximum setting. It's far more effective to start the unit earlier in the day, letting the room cool gradually. A timer or programmable thermostat enables your air conditioner to cool and dehumidify slowly and efficiently.

* If the space is going to be unoccupied for more than four hours, the thermostat should be turned up to achieve a temperature of about 28C. If it will be unoccupied for more that 24 hours, it should be shut off.

* Set the fan to operate continuously when you need air movement to maintain comfortable conditions.

* If available, use the "fan-only" mode in the evening and early morning to draw cooler outside air into the house.

* To keep cool air in, close all doors leading to your air-conditioned space as much as possible. Draw curtains and blinds to limit heat gain through windows.

* Shut closet doors to avoid cooling unused space. Close off fireplaces to prevent cool air from escaping up the chimney.

* Turn off lights and appliances when they aren't needed because they generate heat. In areas where lights are left on for long periods, replace incandescent bulbs with cooler-operating compact fluorescents.

* Use natural or fan-assisted ventilation to cool your house whenever outdoor temperatures and humidity levels drop.

* Keep the house closed up tight during hot days and use natural or forced ventilation at night, when the air is cooler. Use the "ventilate" or "outside air" control on the room air conditioner sparingly.

* Do not block the air conditioner vents with drapes, furniture or interior plants and don't expose the unit to direct sunlight.

Turn off your gas fireplace
The pilot light uses about 40 to 50 percent of a gas fireplaces energy, so turn it off during the summer. Consult the appliance's operating manual or ask a technician to show you how to turn the pilot light off and relight it safely.

Insulate the attic
Your attic gets hot in the summer temperatures of up to 65C (150F) are common. Insulation in your attic protects your home from excessive heat penetration in summer as well as from cold in winter. Invest in attic insulation for year-round comfort and efficiency. You can even get money back from the ecoENERGY Retrofit Homes program to help defray the cost.