How May 1st Electricity Changes Affect Your Appliances – Tips from Arni Services

How Much Power Do Your Appliances Use?

Appliances like fridges, dryers, and ACs are big energy users, and the summer TOU periods make timing matter. Here’s what common appliances use yearly, based on 2024 OEB and ENERGY STAR data:

• Refrigerator (10+ years old): 600–800 kWh/year (newer models: ~350–450 kWh).
• Clothes Dryer: 600–800 kWh/year (depends on load size and vent condition).
• Washing Machine: 100–250 kWh/year (hot water cycles use more).
• Window Air Conditioner: 500–1,200 kWh/year (varies by size and use).

Let’s say on-peak rates are $0.20/kWh and off-peak are $0.10/kWh (OEB’s 2024 TOU estimates). Running a dryer for one hour on-peak costs $0.60, but only $0.30 off-peak. Over a month of daily loads, that’s a $9 difference just for one appliance! With summer’s on-peak hours hitting midday, your AC or fridge could push bills higher if they’re not efficient.

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Clever Tips to Save Money and Protect Your Appliances

We’ve fixed thousands of appliances at ARNI Services Appliance Repair, and we’ve got some unique tricks to help you save energy during Ontario’s summer TOU periods. These aren’t your usual tips—they’re straight from our repair toolbox:

1. Try the “Evening Cool-Down” for AC
   Summer’s on-peak hours (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) are brutal for air conditioners. Pre-cool your home by running the AC early (7–9 a.m., mid-peak) and use fans to keep air moving during on-peak hours. This cuts AC use when rates are highest. Also, swap your AC filter every 1–2 months—a dirty filter makes it use 10–15% more power, per ENERGY STAR.
2. Test Your Fridge with a Paper Trick
   A weak fridge door seal leaks cold air, making it run harder and spike your bill. Close the door on a piece of paper—if it slides out easily, the seal’s bad. A new seal can save $50–$75 a year, especially during on-peak hours. Keep coils dust-free too; a quick vacuum every six months boosts efficiency.
3. Use a Sock to Speed Up Drying
   Dryers are energy hogs, and clogged vents make them worse. Clean the lint trap every load, then toss a clean, dry sock into heavy loads like towels. It absorbs moisture and cuts drying time by up to 10%, saving energy. We also recommend an annual vent cleaning—clogged vents waste power and cause 15,000 dryer fires a year, says the National Fire Protection Association.
4. Set a “Night Owl” Laundry Schedule
   Move big appliance use to off-peak hours (7 p.m.–7 a.m.). Many washers and dishwashers, like those from Samsung or LG, have delay-start buttons. Set them to run at night or early morning to hit the cheapest rates. This also reduces strain on your appliances during hot midday hours, extending their life.
5. Spot Energy Leaks with a $5 Outlet Tester
   Small appliances like microwaves or toasters draw “standby” power even when off. Grab a cheap outlet energy monitor (available at Canadian Tire) to see what’s using power. Unplug culprits or use a power bar you can switch off. This can save $10–$30 a year, which adds up with summer TOU rates.

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Why Appliance Repairs Save More in Summer

With midday on-peak rates, an inefficient appliance can cost you a fortune. A fridge with a bad seal or an AC with a clogged filter uses way more power, and summer heat makes it worse. At ARNI Services, we’ve seen a single repair—like fixing a dryer’s thermostat—cut energy use by 20% and prevent a $1000 replacement. Regular maintenance, like cleaning vents or checking seals, keeps your appliances running lean and your bills low.

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How Arni Services Can Help Ontario Homes

Whether you’re in Mississauga, Brampton, or anywhere in Ontario, ARNI Services is your go-to for appliance repairs that save energy and money. With the May 1st TOU changes, we can:

• Check your fridge, AC, or dryer for energy-wasting issues like bad seals or clogged filters.
• Tune up appliances to run efficiently during costly on-peak hours.
• Share personalized tips based on your home’s appliances and local TOU rates.

Last summer, a customer in Vaughan saved $350 on their bill after we fixed their AC’s filter and adjusted their fridge’s settings. Let us help you do the same!