FortisBC provides tips on keeping cool and keeping costs under control – BC News

Air conditioners and heat pumps will be getting a workout as warm temperatures settle over the province for the next week.

FortisBC is reminding customers about the best ways to stay cool and keep energy costs under control. To reduce concerns about higher electricity bills FortisBC has compiled a list of tips to keep cool as efficiently as possible:

• Aim to be comfortable, not chilly. The recommended temperature is between 25 and 27°C.
• Draft proof around windows, doors and other openings to minimize conditioned air escaping from your home.
• Set your cooling system’s thermostat two degrees higher than usual and use ceiling fans to circulate the cool air. This can reduce your air conditioning costs by 14 per cent.
• Combine air conditioners with a portable fan to maximize their cooling power and reduce the energy used. Do not use a fan alone if the temperature in your home is 35°C or higher.
• Cool only the rooms that you’re using.
• Close blinds and windows during the day to minimize solar heat gain. Open them when the outside temperature cools to help air out your home.
• Plan meals that don’t heat up the kitchen—opt to barbecue outside or explore no-cook recipes that don’t require using the stove or oven.
• Customers with incomes under specific thresholds can order a free Energy Saving Kit, which has materials to help keep conditioned air inside their home. They can also get hands-on-help installing similar products through the Energy Conservation Assistance Program.

Electricity use increases for most B.C. households during summer months as the temperatures rise, and cooling systems work harder to keep us comfortable.

“The safety of the public and our employees is a top priority for FortisBC. Reducing energy use can help lead to lower energy bills, however, it’s important to turn on your air conditioning or find an air-conditioned space during periods of extreme heat to avoid putting your health at risk,” says FortisBC spokesperson Nicole Brown.

“We’d also like our customers to know that if they are worried about a higher-than-expected bill, they can get in touch so we can work with them one-on-one to help.”

For more information on managing your energy consumption click here.