Does Winter Heating, or Summer Cooling Use More Household Energy?

The energy consumption of North American households varies by season, with the highest consumption typically occurring during the winter months. Today we will take a look at the average energy consumption of a Canadian household by season and explore ways to reduce energy consumption during both the winter and summer months.

During the winter months, heating is the primary source of energy consumption in a Canadian household. The average Canadian household uses about 1,200 KWh of electricity per month for heating, which is roughly 40% of their total monthly energy consumption. Other sources of energy consumption during the winter include lighting, appliances, and hot water.

On the other hand, during the summer months, air conditioning is the primary source of energy consumption. The average Canadian household uses about 800 KWh of electricity per month for air conditioning, which is roughly 25% of their total monthly energy consumption. Other sources of energy consumption during the summer include lighting, appliances, and hot water.

To reduce energy consumption during the winter months, it is important to make sure your home is well insulated and that your heating system is properly maintained. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you up to 3% on your heating bill. Additionally, using programmable thermostats and timers for your heating system can also help you save energy.

In the summer, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) or higher can save you up to 8% on your cooling bill. Use of ceiling fans and opening windows during cool hours can help reduce the need of AC. To reduce energy consumption during the summer months, it is important to make sure your air conditioning system is properly maintained. Also, closing curtains and blinds during the day can help keep your home cool.

In addition to these seasonal tips, there are several ways to reduce energy consumption year-round. One of the most effective ways is to reduce the use of appliances and electronics. For example, unplugging appliances and electronics when they are not in use can save you up to 10% on your electricity bill. Other ways to reduce energy consumption year-round include using energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED light bulbs (learn more from LED Lighting Supply), and using a power strip to control the power usage of multiple devices at once.

In conclusion, the energy consumption of a household varies by season, with the highest consumption typically occurring during the winter months. By making sure your home is well insulated, properly maintaining your heating and cooling systems, and reducing the use of appliances and electronics, you can greatly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Is the thermostat set to 78 Fahrenheit / 25 Celsius in the summer doable, or too hot? 

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