Summer in Ottawa is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also bring higher electricity bills. As temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer, refrigerators work harder, and many homeowners unknowingly waste energy throughout their homes.

Whether you own an older home in Alta Vista, a new build in Barrhaven, or a townhouse in Orleans, improving your home's energy efficiency can help reduce your monthly hydro bill without sacrificing comfort.

In this guide, we'll explore practical ways Ottawa homeowners can lower electricity consumption, choose the right electricity pricing plan, and take advantage of Ontario programs that can help reduce energy costs.

Why Electricity Bills Increase During Ottawa Summers

Although Ottawa experiences cold winters, electricity usage often rises during the summer because of increased cooling demands.

Some of the biggest contributors include:

• Air conditioning systems running for longer periods

• Ceiling and portable fans operating throughout the day

• Refrigerators and freezers working harder in warmer temperatures

• Pool pumps and outdoor equipment

• Dehumidifiers operating in basements

• Increased laundry and dishwasher use while families are home

Fortunately, a few simple changes can make a noticeable difference.

1. Set Your Air Conditioner for Maximum Efficiency

Your air conditioner is typically the largest consumer of electricity during the summer.

For the best balance between comfort and energy savings:

• Set your thermostat to 25–26°C while you're home.

• Increase it to 27–28°C when you're away.

• Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures.

Every degree lower than necessary can increase cooling costs by approximately 3–5%.

2. Replace Your Furnace or HVAC Filter

Even during the summer, your furnace filter plays an important role in your air conditioning system.

A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work harder and consume more electricity.

Replace or clean your filter every 1–3 months, depending on usage and manufacturer recommendations.

Benefits include:

• Lower electricity consumption

• Better indoor air quality

• Improved cooling performance

• Longer HVAC equipment life

3. Block Heat Before It Enters Your Home

Keeping sunlight out is often easier than removing heat after it enters your home.

During hot Ottawa afternoons:

• Close blinds or curtains on south- and west-facing windows.

• Install blackout curtains where appropriate.

• Consider reflective window film.

• Keep windows closed while the air conditioner is operating.

Reducing solar heat gain allows your air conditioner to cycle less frequently.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Properly

Ceiling fans don't actually cool the air—they help people feel cooler.

During the summer:

• Set the fan to rotate counter-clockwise.

• Turn fans off when rooms are unoccupied.

Using ceiling fans can allow you to raise your thermostat by 2–3°C without reducing comfort.

5. Reduce Indoor Heat Sources

Many everyday appliances generate heat that forces your air conditioner to work harder.

Whenever possible:

• Use an outdoor barbecue.

• Cook with a microwave, air fryer, or slow cooker instead of the oven.

• Run your dishwasher during cooler evening hours.

• Air dry clothes whenever practical.

Small adjustments like these can noticeably reduce cooling costs.

6. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home

Many Ottawa homes lose cooled air through small gaps around:

• Windows

• Exterior doors

• Utility penetrations

• Attic access hatches

• Garage entry doors

Adding weatherstripping and sealing gaps with caulking can improve comfort while reducing electricity consumption.

7. Schedule Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

Routine maintenance keeps your cooling system operating efficiently.

Annual maintenance should include:

• Cleaning the outdoor condenser unit

• Removing leaves and debris

• Checking refrigerant levels

• Inspecting electrical components

• Ensuring proper airflow

A well-maintained system uses less electricity and is less likely to break down during Ottawa's hottest days.

8. Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs consume up to 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs while producing much less heat.

Replacing frequently used bulbs can lower both lighting and cooling costs.

9. Eliminate Phantom Power

Many electronics continue using electricity even when they're turned off.

Common examples include:

• Television equipment

• Gaming consoles

• Coffee makers

• Chargers

• Desktop computers

Smart power bars make it easy to eliminate these unnecessary energy costs.

Choose the Right Ontario Electricity Pricing Plan

Many homeowners focus on reducing electricity usage but overlook another opportunity to save money: selecting the electricity pricing plan that best matches their lifestyle.

Ontario offers several electricity pricing options, and choosing the right one can reduce your hydro bill without changing how much electricity you use.

Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing

Time-of-Use pricing charges different electricity rates depending on the time of day.

The three pricing periods are:

• Off-Peak – Lowest electricity price

• Mid-Peak – Moderate electricity price

• On-Peak – Highest electricity price

Homeowners who are away during the day often benefit from running appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and electric vehicle chargers during off-peak hours.

Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Pricing

Ultra-Low Overnight pricing may benefit households that:

• Own an electric vehicle

• Work night shifts

• Can shift most electricity use to overnight hours

While overnight electricity is the least expensive, daytime rates are generally higher.

Tiered Pricing

With Tiered Pricing, electricity costs remain the same regardless of the time of day until your monthly usage exceeds a set threshold.

This option may be better for families who are home throughout the day or who cannot easily shift their electricity usage.

Choosing the right pricing plan depends on your household's daily routine and energy habits.

Ontario Programs That Can Help Lower Your Electricity Bill

In addition to reducing electricity consumption, eligible Ontario residents may qualify for programs that provide financial assistance on their electricity bills.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides monthly credits directly on electricity bills for eligible low- to moderate-income households.

The monthly credit is based on factors including:

• Household income

• Number of people living in the home

• Specific household circumstances

Once approved, the credit is automatically applied to your electricity bill every month, helping reduce your overall energy costs throughout the year—including during Ottawa's hottest summer months.

If you think you may qualify, it's worth checking the eligibility requirements and submitting an application.

More information:
https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/

Other Energy Efficiency Programs

Homeowners may also be eligible for programs that support:

• Smart thermostat installation

• Heat pump upgrades

• Home energy efficiency improvements

• Local utility conservation initiatives

• Future rebate programs offered through Ontario or utility providers

Program availability changes over time, so it's a good idea to check for the latest incentives before starting a home improvement project.

How a Home Inspection Can Help Improve Energy Efficiency

Many homeowners don't realize that a professional home inspection can uncover issues that contribute to higher electricity bills.

During an inspection, a qualified home inspector may identify:

• Insufficient attic insulation

• Poor attic ventilation

• Air leaks around windows and doors

• Aging or inefficient HVAC equipment

• Missing weatherstripping

• Moisture problems affecting insulation performance

• Improper bathroom or kitchen exhaust ventilation

Addressing these issues can improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and help lower your utility costs throughout the year.

At Maskan Home Inspection Services, we help Ottawa homeowners better understand how their home's condition affects comfort, efficiency, and long-term maintenance. While a standard home inspection is not an energy audit, it can identify visible issues that may be contributing to unnecessary energy loss.

Reducing your electricity bill during Ottawa's summer doesn't require major renovations. Small improvements—such as maintaining your air conditioner, sealing air leaks, using ceiling fans effectively, and selecting the right Ontario electricity pricing plan—can add up to significant savings over time.

If you're buying a home, maintaining your current property, or simply looking for ways to improve efficiency, understanding how your home performs is the first step.

A professional home inspection can identify visible deficiencies that may be increasing your energy costs and help you make informed decisions about future improvements.

By combining smart energy habits with regular home maintenance, Ottawa homeowners can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home while keeping electricity costs under control.

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