Canadians are no stranger to rising utility costs. As the temperatures rise every summer, our need for air conditioning grows stronger, and with more people working from home, they rely on the use of their devices to produce quality work.
The overall costs of electricity bills in Canada can vary depending on a range of factors, including your location and your total usage. No matter where you live, with the cost of living continuing to increase, it’s more important than ever to cut back on costs where you can — and that doesn’t always mean sacrificing nights out with friends or family vacations.
There are several ways Canadians can save on their electricity costs this summer. Let’s take a look.
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Don’t Pay a Premium for Internet
We know Canadians pay some of the highest prices for internet worldwide, but we’re also seeing a number of Hamilton internet providers and companies across the company open up the market to offer customers a wider variety of providers to choose from.
Whether you’re using your internet during business hours and working from home or in the evenings to catch up with friends and browse social media, you may want to start shopping around and comparing internet plans. Some companies will lock you into a contract where they’re able to add in various fees to increase your bill, while others may be able to offer a more convenient and affordable monthly rate.
Unplug Small Appliances
Certain small appliances in your home, like your coffee maker, for example, may have additional features that run all day and use up a surprising amount of electricity — many have a timer or a clock that, when left plugged in, will continue to run on your home’s energy and slowly increase your monthly costs. Before you leave for the day or when certain appliances aren’t in use, consider unplugging them, and you’d be surprised how much you’ll save.
Run Your Laundry on Off-Hours
Every province in Canada has peak hours which can charge Canadians significantly more for any energy they consume. So, if you have laundry or a dishwasher to run, consider setting a timer to run overnight. In addition, fill as much as you can in both to ensure you don’t have to run a second load soon after.
Invest in Energy-Savers
Today’s major appliances, such as fridges and dishwashers, are being made with both consumers and the environment in mind. If your appliances are at least a decade old, chances are they’re using more energy than their modern counterparts. While this is a more significant upfront cost, you’ll quickly start to notice the savings on your energy bill and in the end, it will have been a worthwhile investment.
Install Quality Windows
While window installation can be another upfront cost, the fact is that outdated windows are known to let in drafts along with outside dirt and allergens. Putting in the time and money to upgrade your home’s windows not only gives the home a more modern look and can increase its value but will seal in heat and air inside so your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work overtime — and neither does your wallet.
