Tips of the Month

Saving Money on Air Conditioning

During the summer, the sun streaming into your windows heats up your house – which is known as heat gain. If you have air conditioning, it will need to run more frequently to cool your house, driving up your electric bill.

You can lower your bill by covering your windows during the day. Here are some options:

Window awnings – can reduce heat gain by 65 percent or more. If you install retractable awnings, you can let sunlight into your home in the winter, when you want to warm your house.
Curtains – can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when closed.
Blinds – can reduce heat gain by 45 percent if they are reflective.

In winter, do the opposite – let as much light in as possible to warm your home and remember to set your air conditioner to the highest temperature where you feel comfortable. The higher the temperature setting, the less energy you’ll use.

From the City's Committee for a Better Environment

Pets and Summer Heat

As temperatures increase it’s important to remember that dogs are susceptible to illnesses and injuries related to warm weather, like dehydration and heat stroke. Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others, including those who have thick fur coats, flat-faces, are obese or elderly.

Signs that your dog is too hot are excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and bright red gums and tongue. If your dog is showing any of these signs, and does not seem to get better, please take the dog to the nearest emergency vet.

Keep your dog cool by providing access to shaded areas and plenty of cold, clean, fresh water. Use frozen toys, paddling pools or water sprinklers to entertain and cool your dog down.

Remember: Never leave your dog in a car in the summer.

From the City's Animal Welfare Committee