May 26, 2010

Condition yourself to lower your air conditioning costs
PowerStream encourages customers to better manage use of their AC units

VAUGHAN, ON ~ In response to recent increases in electricity prices across the province, Ontario’s incoming Harmonized Sales Tax and an expected hotter than average summer, PowerStream is encouraging customers to be mindful of how and when they use their air conditioners over the summer season to help avoid high electricity bills.

In addition to cooling, air conditioning systems lower the humidity, making indoor air more comfortable and also remove dust and dirt as the air is drawn through a filter. These benefits, however, come at a cost. Depending on the comfort level sought, air conditioning can account for anywhere from 5 to 50% of a household’s electricity budget. And yet customers can save money and energy by carefully purchasing and operating their air conditioners.

John Sherin, PowerStream’s Manager of Conservation and Demand Management says there are some simple strategies customers can use to keep their homes or places of business cool without having their air conditioning units running full tilt all the time.

“The house or place of business should be well sealed, by having all windows and doors shut and curtains or blinds on south and west facing windows closed,” Sherin said. “During the extreme heat of the summer, customers should keep their space 4-5 Celsius below outside air temperature, for example, if its 30 Celsius outside, the thermostat should be set at approximately 25 Celsius. Keeping it cooler is wasting energy and you’ll be very comfortable in the home at this temperature.”

Sherin also suggests that customers consider installing a programmable thermostat to automate changes in their temperature settings. For those customers with central air conditioning that do not currently have a programmable thermostat, PowerStream provides a free ENERGY STAR® qualified unit through its peaksaver® conservation program. Installation of the thermostat makes maintaining comfort levels easier and helps customers to reduce their air conditioning costs while helping reduce the province’s electricity demand. It’s a simple matter of calling 1-866-323-0206 to book an installation.

He also recommends that customers take a close look at the age of their air conditioning equipment. The age and condition of systems can play a big part in what it costs to keep a home or business place cool. Regular maintenance such as changing furnace air filters before the season starts or upgrading aging systems are important in keeping a lid on cooling costs. New systems are far more economical than systems that are five years older or more. New systems also use refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment.

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) offers rebates of up to $250 on new ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning systems through their Cool Savings Rebate Program. Visit the Cool Savings Rebate Program website at everykilowattcounts.ca  for more information on how to qualify for the rebate and visit www.powerstream.ca for more energy saving options.

About PowerStream Inc.
PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 320,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.

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Media Contact
Eric Fagen
Director, Corporate Communications
PowerStream Inc.
Office Phone: 905-532-4522
Media Line (24/7): 905-532-4400
Email: eric.fagen@powerstream.ca

Related web pages: peaksaver program and 25 Energy Saving Tips!