Crack a Window, Not Your Wallet: 12 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money this Summer in Canada

As the snow boots go back into hibernation and Canada’s warm weather starts knocking, it’s time to swap those fuzzy blankets for flip-flops—and give your home’s energy habits a bit of a spring cleaning. 

We know what you’re thinking: “Saving energy in the summer? Don’t I just turn off the furnace and call it a day?” Not quite, friend. Your AC, water heater, and even that cozy-but-sneaky dryer are still racking up your bills. But don’t sweat it (literally)—we’ve got your back with fun, doable ways to cut costs, stay comfy, and maybe even beat last year’s utility bill. 

Let’s get into 12 ridiculously doable summer energy-saving tips—tested, proven, and totally tailored for our Canadian climate. 

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   Draft-Proofing Isn’t Just a Winter Thing, Eh

Your air conditioner works double-time during summer, especially if cool air is escaping through the cracks. 

• Check around windows and doors for drafts using the back of your hand or a candle flame. 

• Seal gaps using weather stripping, foam tape, or caulking. Even dollar-store insulation strips do the trick. 

• Close fireplace dampers and unused vents to keep cool air in. 

Pro tip: Sealing leaks not only helps in summer but pays off again during the winter months. 

Read More – Insulation 101: Winterize your home 

2. Keep That Thermostat on a Budget

Every degree counts—literally. 

• Set your thermostat at 25°C (78°F) during the day when you’re home. 

• Use a programmable thermostat to raise the temp when you’re away. 

• Ceiling fans can complement this setting to make the room feel cooler. 

Fun fact: Each degree above 22°C can save you 3–5% on your cooling costs, according to Natural Resources Canada. 

Read More: How Smart Thermostats Save Energy and Money  

3. Take a Break from Heat-Heavy Appliances

Appliances like your oven and dryer add unwanted heat to your home. 

• Line-dry laundry on sunny days—your clothes will smell fresher, too! 

• Fire up the BBQ instead of the oven—grilling is practically a Canadian summer tradition anyway. 

• Swap incandescent bulbs for LEDs. LEDs run cooler and use 75% less energy. 

Bonus: Reducing indoor heat means your AC works less, saving energy and extending its lifespan. 

Read More: Why is my AC Blowing Hot Air?  

4. Get Shady (With Your Windows)

Let’s face it—sunshine is great, but not when it turns your home into a greenhouse. 

• Install blackout curtains, blinds, or reflective window films. 

• Use exterior shading like awnings or plant leafy trees on sun-exposed sides. 

• Keep curtains drawn during peak sunlight hours (around 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

Savings stat: Shading your windows can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 24%, reducing the load on your air conditioner. 

5. Fan Smarter, Not Harder

Don’t just turn it on—use it right. 

• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in summer. This pushes cooler air downward. 

• Use portable fans in rooms you’re actively using and turn them off when you leave. 

• Combine fans with open windows at night for a powerful cross-breeze. 

Pro insight: Fans cool people, not rooms. So don’t waste energy running them in empty spaces. 

6. Wash in Cold, Live Bold

Hot water is one of your biggest energy drains—especially in summer. 

• Use cold water settings for laundry and dishwashing where possible. 

• Switch to ENERGY STAR® appliances that operate efficiently with cold water. 

• Shorten your showers by just a few minutes to save both water and heating costs. 

Green bonus: Heating water accounts for nearly 18% of your household energy bill. Cold water = cool savings. 

Check out our guide on how to increase the lifespan of your water heater to save energy and money. 

7. Clean Your AC Filter—Like, Now

Your air conditioner can’t do its job if it’s clogged with dust and debris. 

• Check and clean your AC filter every 30 days during high-use months. 

• A dirty filter reduces efficiency by up to 15%, leading to higher bills. 

• If your system has reusable filters, rinse and dry them thoroughly. 

Health tip: Clean filters also help improve indoor air quality, reducing allergens and pollutants. 

8. Open Windows at Night, Not Midday

Let Mother Nature do the cooling. 

• Open windows in the evening when outdoor temps drop. 

• Close them before mid-morning to trap the cool air. 

• Use window or attic fans to draw in fresh air and exhaust hot air. 

Don’t forget: Install window screens to keep bugs out while letting fresh air in. 

9. Mind the Peak Hours

Time-of-use electricity rates can either cost or save you big. 

• In Ontario, run major appliances during off-peak hours: early morning or late evening. 

• Use delay-start settings on washers and dishwashers. 

• Charge devices overnight instead of during the day. 

Budget insight: Avoiding peak hours can reduce your electricity bill by 10–20%, depending on your usage. 

10. Monitor Your Usage Like a Pro

Knowledge is power—especially when you’re tracking where it’s going. 

• Invest in a plug-in energy monitor to check which devices are draining power. 

• Use a smart thermostat or hydro app to track energy use in real-time. 

• Unplug “phantom” devices like chargers, gaming consoles, and microwaves when not in use. 

Cool tech: Smart power bars can cut power to idle electronics automatically. 

11. Don’t Overcook Your Water Heater

Lowering the temperature just a little can make a big difference. 

• Set your water heater to 49°C (120°F)—hot enough for hygiene, cool enough for savings. 

• Consider tankless or on-demand water heaters for long-term efficiency. 

• Install a water heater blanket or heat traps to reduce standby heat loss. 

Efficiency tip: Insulating your hot water pipes helps deliver heat more efficiently, reducing energy waste. 

12. Look for Rebates (We Love Free Money)

There’s no shame in playing the rebate game. 

• Check out Canada’s Greener Homes Initiative and Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate programs. 

• Rebates are available for AC upgrades, smart thermostats, insulation, and even home energy audits. 

• Combine federal, provincial, and local rebates for maximum return. 

Money saver: You could save hundreds to thousands depending on the improvements you make. 

Final Thoughts: Chill Now, Save Later 

Summer energy saving doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With a bit of strategy, a few clever tricks, and a sprinkle of Canadian resourcefulness, you’ll breeze through the season feeling cooler, greener, and a whole lot wealthier. 

Want help making your home energy-efficient before the summer heat hits? Call the HVAC pros at LG Home Comfort. From smart AC installs to home energy audits and expert filter replacements, we’re ready to turn your home into a lean, green, cooling machine—without sweating over high utility bills. 

Let’s beat the heat—efficiently, affordably, and Canadian-style.  

 FAQs

1. What are the best ways to reduce cooling costs in summer?
   Lower cooling bills by using programmable thermostats, sealing air leaks, servicing your AC, and using ceiling fans efficiently. 
2.  How can I save energy during spring in Canada?
   Open windows for natural ventilation, clean HVAC filters, and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to cut springtime energy use. 
3. Does regular HVAC maintenance really save energy?
   Yes! Seasonal tune-ups keep your system running efficiently, lowering energy waste and reducing long-term repair costs.
4. What temperature should I set my AC in summer?
   Set your thermostat to 25°C (77°F) when you’re home and raise it slightly when away to balance comfort and energy savings.
5. Can ceiling fans help lower my energy bills?
   Absolutely. Fans use less energy than AC and help circulate cool air, allowing you to raise your thermostat without losing comfort. 
6. Are there energy rebates for homeowners in Ontario?
   Yes! Many Canadian provinces offer HVAC rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. LG Home Comfort can guide you through your options.