Hydro Rates in Ontario
Let’s face it; hydro rates in Ontario are rising. As we see this rise in Ontario’s hydro rates, we need to find ways to cut back. Do you know what uses the most electricity in your home? Or, do you know how to use the peak times to your advantage? There are many ways you can keep your house warm and your hydro bill down this winter. It might surprise you what is using the most energy.
This fall, hydro rates in Ontario continue to rise. After a long year, this was a shock to many people. Will I be able to afford my heating bills this winter? That’s a question people in Ontario are starting to ask. If costs continue to rise, our bills are sure to rise as well. Therefore, it’s time to make some changes. It’s all about keeping in the heat and the cold air out.
Follow a few simple steps to winterize your home. Moreover, you’ll find some helpful tips about using peak rates. Saving money is easier than you think!
What Uses the Most Electricity in Your Home?
To begin, you must understand which devices use the most electricity. Once you know that, you can start to save money. Indeed, you know that leaving lights on will cost you more than if you shut them off. However, it’s about more than that. Some appliances are more energy-efficient than others. That’s something we have come to learn. Do you have the energy star on yours? Newer appliances and HVAC are built to keep your hydro bill down. Therefore, if you are in the market for something new, you need to keep that in mind. Spending a bit more could be worth the outcome.
First and foremost, we have compiled a list of household units that cost us the most. Here are the top 10 energy users in your home:
- Lighting
- Heating
- Electric Ovens
- Refrigerator
- Computers
- Dishwasher
- Cooling
- Water Heaters
- Television, DVD or Cable
- Washer and Dryer
As you can see, these are the things we use every day. Nevertheless, there are still ways around it. Keeping in mind, you may have to change up a few things. Yet, we promise it will be easier than you think.
Have you ever heard there are vampires in your home? And no, not the blood-sucking kind. The energy-sucking kind! All jokes aside, this is a real thing. Some appliances use up energy even when you’re not using them. Unfortunately, even switching to the “off” button won’t save you from these vampires.
Don’t worry; we won’t ask you to turn off your furnace. However, unplugging your tv or game console might do the trick. Despite being off, these devices still use hydro. Therefore, it’s best to unplug them when not in use. Other devices include computers, cable boxes, and even microwaves.
How to Use Hydro Rates in Ontario to Your Advantage
It’s true, hydro rates in Ontario are higher once again. On the positive side, you have a few options if you are looking to save some money. Have you looked into your choices this year? You might be able to save by choosing a tiered rate. Furthermore, you can begin to understand how peak rates work in your area. By altering your schedule, you could bring your hydro costs down.
For example, if you do your laundry after 7 pm, it will cost less than if you do it during the day. This is thanks to peak rates. Generally speaking, hydro rates in Ontario go by 3 different times of use rates. It is also sorted into weekdays versus the weekend and holidays.
During the week, the best time to use energy is between 7 pm and 7 am. Understandably, this doesn’t work for everyone. It’s not plausible to think that everyone can do everything in the hours of the night. Not to mention, we are all tired after a long day at work.
Therefore, a rate of mid-peak is also available during the week. This rate runs from 11 am to 5 pm. So, the majority of the day.
Lastly, the most expensive time to utilize hydro rates in Ontario is during on-peak hours. From 7 am to 11 am, and from 5 pm to 7 pm, it will cost you the most to run anything in your home. Of course, on-peak is always at the busiest of times. Nevertheless, this is not something we can change. But, avoiding these times to use your high energy appliances is best if possible.
Remember, a lot of appliances have delayed starts. In this case, you can set your dishwasher or laundry to turn on during mid or low peak times.
How to Choose the Best Appliances
On top of making a few life changes, it might be worth shopping around for new appliances sooner than later. As time goes on, technology allows us to make our homes more efficient. As we know, more efficient means more saving. Unfortunately, older appliances and HVAC weren’t made to save us money. They were made to work. But with the increase in hydro rates in Ontario, we have to start thinking for the future. If you don’t know where to start, ATN Mechanical can help.
As mentioned in our list above, your HVAC is a high energy user. Nevertheless, for most, it is essential. We like our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It’s all about being comfortable. So, if you’d rather not turn off your furnace, check out some of these innovations for saving money with your HVAC.
Energy Star products are proven to be the most efficient. For more ways to save with energy star appliances, visit them here.
There are also many cool gadgets out there that let you control your devices while you’re away from home. Our blog Smart Thermostats has everything to help you choose the perfect one.
If you’re looking for help upgrading your HVAC this year, give us a call. We take pride in our suppliers. Moreover, we take pride in the products they are coming out with. We’d love to chat more with you at your next service call. Until then, stay safe and healthy.