Managing electricity use from morning to night

Aug 13, 2026, 21:04 PM

Ahh, summer in Alberta. Whether it’s a rodeo, lake day or mountain hike, Albertans are gearing up for fun all over the province.

It’s normal to use more electricity on these hot summer days, especially to keep your home comfortable. That said, small changes throughout the day can help make a difference. Adjusting a few everyday habits can keep you cool while managing your energy use.

Here’s what that could look like:

Morning: get ahead of the heat

Rise and shine! Mornings are usually the coolest part of the day, and your best opportunity to keep heat from building up inside. Before the temperature rises:

• Open windows early to bring in cooler air.
• Close blinds and curtains before direct sunlight hits your windows.
• Close the doors to rooms you’re not likely to use throughout the day.

Midday and afternoon: when energy use peaks

This is when things start heating up. As the temperature climbs, your home’s cooling system works harder. When the summer sun is at its hottest:

• Keep windows and doors closed to prevent warm air from entering.
• Turn off ceiling fans when they’re not in use. They help keep people comfortable, but don’t cool rooms.
• If possible, avoid using heat-generating appliances such as ovens, dryers and dishwashers. Keep them away from your air conditioner’s thermostat as well.

Evening: it’s all about timing

Dropping temperatures means it’s a good time to catch up on activities you may have put off earlier in the day. Changing when you use energy can be just as helpful as reducing how much you use. In the evening:

• Run larger appliances like laundry or dishwashers.
• Cooking dinner? Use outdoor cooking options like a barbecue instead of the oven.
• Open windows to let cooler air circulate throughout your home.

Overnight: set up for the next day

Let your home prepare for another warm day while you sleep. Before you head to bed:

• Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable setting for sleeping.
• Open windows and take advantage of cooler outdoor air, if conditions allow.
• Let your home cool down naturally so it’s easier to manage heat the next day.

A simple approach that adds up

You don’t need to change everything to see an impact. Focus on the basics: keep the cold in, the heat out, and avoid adding extra heat during the warmest part of the day. Staying comfortable in the summer doesn’t have to mean a big increase in energy use. By making small changes throughout your day, you can help manage both your comfort and your energy use.

For tips and resources on energy efficiency year-round, visit fortisalberta.com/save-energy