Fans are on full blast and air conditioners are humming as this heat wave continues.
That means NB Power will need to generate more electricity to keep up with the demand.
But energy advisor Rob Robichaud says the demand isn’t as great as it can be during a cold snap.
“Cooling in New Brunswick is nothing like the southern U.S.,” says Robichaud. “We’re at about half of our total generating capacity right now, less than half actually.”
Trying to stay cool is tough as much of New Brunswick deals with temperatures in the low-30s and humidex values approaching 40.
In hotter weather consider adjusting your schedule to keep cool. When possible use the cooler early morning or later evening hours for tasks that produce heat and/or moisture, like dishwashing, baking, laundry, showers, and baths.
— NB Power (@NB_Power) July 4, 2018
Robichaud says an easy way to keep your home cooler is closing your blinds during the day and opening your windows at night.
“I think a lot of people probably grew up doing that and I think that’s a bit ingrained in our culture,” he says. “It was in my house growing up that’s for sure.”
Robichaud says air conditioners are a good low-cost option but are not as efficient as newer mini-split heating and cooling systems.
He says the average air conditioner can cost $1 a day to run while mini-split systems cost about 50 cents.
(Photo: freeimages.com)
