If you’ve noticed a steep rise in your energy bills during the summer months, your air conditioner could be working harder than necessary. Many Ontario homeowners struggle with high cooling costs, especially when heatwaves push their AC systems to the limit. The good news? There are several effective ways to reduce your AC costs without sacrificing comfort.
At Heat Flow HVAC, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses optimize their cooling systems with expert AC maintenance and energy-efficient AC installations. Whether you have central air, a heat pump, or a ductless system, there are strategies to improve efficiency, extend your AC’s lifespan, and lower your monthly AC costs.
Let’s break down why your air conditioner might be driving up your electricity bill and what you can do about it.
Why Are Your Energy Bills So High?
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the most common reasons why your air conditioning system could be increasing your hydro bill.
Ontario’s High Hydro Rates
Ontario’s Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity pricing means that running your AC during peak hours costs more than at night. Without a cooling strategy, you could be overpaying for electricity unnecessarily. Running your AC efficiently and during off-peak hours can help reduce AC costs significantly.
Older or Inefficient AC System
If your AC unit is more than 10-15 years old, it would not be as energy-efficient compared to new units. The older systems will consume more electricity to deliver less cooling power. In Ontario, where summers have been getting warmer, an older AC might not be able to handle the heat, leading to more energy usage.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Neglecting yearly tune-ups can lead to dirty filters, dirty coils, and low refrigerant levels, all of which make your system work harder than it needs to. This extra effort wears down your system over time, increasing energy usage and decreasing the life of your AC.
Misuse of Thermostat
Most people don’t know that they leave their thermostat set too low, thinking it will cool their house faster. This just makes your system work overtime, wasting unnecessary electricity.
Leaky Ductwork or Insulation
Poor insulation or leaks in ducts are usual in homes in Ontario, especially old houses. When cool air escapes via openings in ducts or insulated walls that are not good enough, your AC needs to work for longer periods to attain the desired temperature.
Blocked or Dirty Air Filters
When your air filter is clogged with dust and dirt, airflow is restricted, decreasing your system’s efficiency. Replacing a filter every one to three months can save a lot of energy. Having this information is step number one. Now, let’s discuss real-life solutions to help you cut back on cooling costs.
Improve Energy Efficiency And Reduce AC Costs
Even if you have an expensive air conditioner, your overall home efficiency has a great deal to do with AC cooling costs.
Zoning Systems for Greater Efficiency
In larger houses or commercial buildings, a zoning system allows different spaces (zones) to be cooled separately. Instead of cooling the entire building at once, you can have varying temperatures within specific rooms based on usage.
Benefits are:
- Reduced wastage of energy by cooling occupied spaces only.
- Enhanced uniformity of comfort across different areas.
- Reduced loads on the AC equipment, increasing its lifespan.
If your house has cold or warm spots, having a zoning system with multiple thermostats can be a lifesaver.
Seal Air Leaks To Reduce AC Costs
Leaks under doors, windows, and ducts let the cool air escape, so your AC has to work harder. Weatherstripping and caulking are cheap solutions that improve energy efficiency.
Business & Residential Peak Hour Electricity Savings
In Ontario, electricity prices vary based on demand, i.e., running your AC during certain hours of the day will be more expensive. The Ontario Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity rates are for most residential and small business customers. To save money during peak hours, try the following:
- Pre-cooling your office or home in the morning when off-peak electricity rates are still active.
- Using fans at peak hours instead of lowering the AC temperature.
- Running AC units more in off-peak hours (night or evening) when electricity rates are lower.
For businesses, energy management systems can be implemented to track and alter cooling schedules based on electricity prices.
Improve Insulation To Reduce AC Costs
An un-insulated attic can allow heat to become trapped, making your AC laboriously work harder. An upgrade to R-50 insulation (rated for Ontario’s homes) would lower cooling costs considerably.
Avoiding Heat Gain in Domestic and Commercial Establishments
The less heat entering a building, the less heat your air conditioner has to combat, which keeps your system healthier and saves money. Simple solutions to avoid heat gain:
- Use reflective window films to reflect infrared heat from entering.
- Use thermal or blackout curtains to exclude sunlight and heat.
- Use heat-reflective coatings on outside walls or roofs.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting, which produces less heat.
Dehumidifiers Can Reduce AC Costs With Usage
The summer weather in Ontario is humid, making the temperature feel warmer than it is. Many people turn down their thermostats unnecessarily as their houses become sticky and miserable. A whole-house dehumidifier helps by:
- Removing excess humidity from the air, makes your house feel cooler at higher temperatures.
- Reducing the load on your AC, since dry air is simpler to cool than humid air.
- Prevention of mold growth and improvement of indoor air quality.
Businesses, especially restaurants, offices, and stores, also benefit from proper humidity control, improving customers’ and employees’ comfort.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings for Maximum Efficiency
One of the easiest ways to reduce your air conditioning costs is to adjust your thermostat wisely.
Recommended Temperature Settings for Ontario Homes:
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), setting your thermostat to 25°C (78°F) during the day and slightly higher at night can save you 10-15% on your cooling costs.
- When you’re home: Set it to 24-26°C (75-78°F) for comfort and efficiency.
- When you’re away: Increase it to 27-28°C (80-82°F) to prevent unnecessary cooling.
- At night: A slight increase to 26°C (78°F) can still keep your home comfortable while cutting costs.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, ensuring you don’t waste energy cooling an empty home. Many Ontario homeowners qualify for rebates through the Save on Energy program when they install an ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostat.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance To Reduce AC Costs
Preventative maintenance ensures that your AC remains in top working condition. At Heat Flow HVAC, we have thorough AC tune-ups, inspections, and emergency repair services to keep your system in its prime.
What Does Professional AC Maintenance Include?
- Air filter replacement for enhanced airflow and increased system efficiency.
- Coil cleaning to remove dust and debris clogging the heat exchange.
- Level checks of the refrigerant to maintain your AC’s coolness.
- Duct check to locate energy-wasting leaks.
- Thermostat adjustment to prevent excessive overcooling.
A properly serviced AC system conserves 10-30% in energy over a neglected system, putting money in your pocket all summer long.
Consider an Energy-Efficient AC Upgrade
If your system is outdated, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner can dramatically lower your hydro bills.
What to Look for in a New AC System
- High SEER Rating: Ontario requires a minimum SEER 14 rating, but upgrading to SEER 16 or higher can significantly improve efficiency.
- ENERGY STAR® Certification: These units use up to 20% less energy than standard models.
- Proper Sizing: A unit that’s too large will short cycle, while an undersized unit will struggle to cool your home effectively.
Many Ontario homeowners qualify for government rebates and financing programs when upgrading to energy-efficient AC units. We can guide you through your options to ensure you get the best deal.
Reduce AC Costs While Staying Cool
Reducing your air conditioning costs isn’t just about adjusting your thermostat, it’s about maximizing efficiency, staying on top of maintenance, and making smart upgrades when necessary.
At Heat Flow HVAC, we provide expert AC repair, installation, and maintenance services across Ontario. Whether you’re looking for an energy-efficient upgrade, a seasonal tune-up, or fast emergency repairs, our team is ready to help.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward lower energy bills and a cooler, more comfortable home.