BC Hydro Showcases Energy Efficiency Solutions at Home and Garden Event
As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent across British Columbia, residents are seeking effective ways to manage their energy consumption and reduce utility costs. BC Hydro is addressing this growing concern with a dedicated interactive booth at the BC Home + Garden Show, where experts will provide actionable advice on energy-saving practices that can make a significant difference for homeowners and renters alike.
Practical Strategies for Year-Round Energy Management
With both winter cold snaps and summer heat waves presenting challenges, BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder emphasizes that small behavioral adjustments can yield substantial energy savings without compromising comfort. "Many people use their thermostat quite liberally instead of setting it to the correct temperatures," Rieder notes. The utility recommends specific temperature settings for different scenarios:
- 16 degrees Celsius when sleeping or away from home during winter months
- 18 to 21 degrees Celsius when active at home during daytime hours
Programmable thermostats, which have become increasingly affordable in recent years, offer an automated solution for maintaining optimal temperatures throughout the day and night.
Targeted Heating and Cooling Approaches
One common energy waste identified by BC Hydro involves heating unused spaces within homes. "Many people tend to heat their whole home, especially if they have electric baseboards," Rieder explains. "But really you only need to heat the rooms that you use. If you rarely go into the basement, turning off the heat in the basement and keeping doors closed to retain warmth is something that you can do."
For summer months, the focus shifts to preventing heat from entering living spaces. Simple measures can dramatically reduce cooling demands:
- Closing drapes and blinds to block up to 65 percent of solar heat gain through windows
- Keeping doors and windows shut when outdoor temperatures exceed indoor temperatures
- Utilizing ENERGY STAR-certified window air conditioners, which Rieder notes are twice as energy efficient as portable units
Home Maintenance and Efficient Technology Investments
Basic home maintenance represents another area where residents can achieve energy savings. Sealing gaps and cracks around windows and doors helps prevent heat loss during cold weather and keeps cool air inside during heat waves. This simple measure improves overall home efficiency with minimal investment.
BC Hydro has been promoting ENERGY STAR-certified products as part of its Power Smart conservation strategy since the early 2000s. To qualify for this designation, products must perform within the top 15 to 25 percent of their category for energy efficiency when specifications are established. At the Home and Garden Show, visitors can learn about various ENERGY STAR-rated options, including:
- Energy-efficient windows
- Electric heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling capabilities
- The benefits of electric vehicles for reducing transportation-related energy consumption
These technologies represent long-term investments that can significantly reduce household energy demands while contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts.
Addressing the New Normal of Climate Extremes
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events has made energy management a priority for many British Columbians. BC Hydro's presence at the BC Home + Garden Show reflects the utility's commitment to providing practical solutions that empower residents to take control of their energy usage. By combining behavioral changes with strategic technology investments, homeowners and renters can achieve meaningful reductions in their energy consumption while maintaining comfortable living environments throughout seasonal extremes.
As climate patterns continue to evolve, these energy-saving approaches offer both immediate financial benefits and long-term contributions to sustainability goals, demonstrating that individual actions can collectively make a substantial impact on energy conservation in British Columbia.
