Spring and Summer Energy Saving Ideas: 

• Suitable window coverings will improve the comfort level in your home immensely.

• Fans use less energy than air conditioners but should only be operated when the room is occupied.

• Keep the pilot light off on your gas fireplace during the summer months and when it is not being used regularly.

• The summer is an ideal time to arrange for furnace service since your wait for an appointment will be much shorter than trying for a fall or winter booking.

• Cook using your BBQ. Operating a natural gas BBQ costs over 50 percent less than propane.

Fall and Winter Energy Saving Ideas:

• Install and use a programmable thermostat.

• Check your furnace filter once a month and change or clean it when it is dirty or according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

• Inspect your home for the condition and amount of insulation.

• See that your attic access hatch is insulated and weather-stripped.

• Regular maintenance of your hot water heater is necessary. Partial draining, done periodically, will help remove sediment.

• Substantial savings will be realized if your heated garage is insulated and weather-stripped. Also, consider keeping the garage heater at a very low temperature setting.

• Replace regular incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or halogen bulbs. They last much longer than incandescent bulbs and use substantially less energy to operate.

For information on using natural gas safely, visit home safety  and outdoor safety on the ATCO Gas Web site.