Sign up for peaksaver ® (if available where you live). Allow your utility to turn down your central air conditioner for short periods during hot summer weekdays when the demand for electricity is high. (Visit everykilowattcounts.ca to find out more about the program and cash incentives.)
In the summer, set the central air conditioner to 25°C when you are home, and 28°C when away or if you can, turn it off.
In the winter, set the thermostat at 20°C when you are home, and 18°C overnight or when away.
Ceilings fans help keep rooms cool so you can turn the central air conditioner down or off.

When shopping for a new central or window air conditioning, consider the newer ENERGY STAR qualified models, which are up to 70% more efficient than older models.
Ensure the area around your central air conditioner unit and laundry vent is free of debris and shrubbery to maximize operating efficiency.
Shade central air conditioning outdoor units with trees or shrubs to use up to 10% less electricity. Make sure you don’t block air flow around the unit.
Clean or replace your window air conditioning filter monthly. Dirty filters may restrict air flow and reduce your system’s efficiency.
During the day, draw your blinds to block the warming effect of direct sunlight.
Ceiling fan blades should rotate to move the air downward in the summer to help produce a cooling breeze. In the winter, air should be moved upwards towards the ceiling to disperse the warm air that tends to accumulate there and distribute more evenly in the room.
Choose a north-facing or shaded window for your window air conditioner to save electricity.
Close your heating duct dampers so that more cooled air will circulate up through the house.
Close your fireplace damper tightly to keep cooled air from leaking out.
Service your central air system annually.
Set the fan switch on “automatic” instead of “on” or “continuous” to save electricity.

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