High Energy Bills? Calgary Experts Share Cost-Cutting Tips

You open your January energy bill and the number makes you blink twice. $280? Last month it was $140. This isn’t a billing error. Calgary homeowners see energy bills spike 30-50% in winter months, and appliances are the main reason why.

Between November and March, everything works harder. Your heater fights near-freezing incoming water. Your dryer runs constantly because you can’t line-dry outside. And your garage fridge has to work overtime.

All that extra work adds up, but you don’t have to accept the spike. Simple changes can cut consumption by 15-25%, and most cost little to nothing. Here’s where to start.

Why Calgary Winter Bills Climb So Much?

Most Calgary homes use 600-1,000 kWh each winter month. Enmax and local providers charge $0.15-$0.20 per kWh. That’s where those $150-$250 monthly bills come from.

Where your money goes:

• Heating: 45-50%
• Appliances: 30-35%
• Lighting: 10-15%
• Everything else: 5-10%

The winter spike:

• Summer bills: $80-$120
• Winter bills: $150-$250

The difference in electricity usage in winter vs summer is dramatic. Your water heater uses 20-30% more energy because incoming water drops from 15°C to 4°C. Dryers run more because line-drying outside isn’t an option. You’re indoors more, cooking more, doing more laundry.

When temperatures hit -20°C, a garage fridge might run constantly. Your water heater cycles on more frequently. Even your dryer works harder because cold air enters the unit.

Which Appliances Cost the Most to Run in Calgary Homes?

#1: Water Heater (if 10+ years old)

Monthly cost: $35-$50

Water heaters run 24/7 and account for the highest energy use in most homes. That’s an extra 20-30% energy cost right there.

How to cut costs:

• Set temperature to 49°C (120°F). Most tanks arrive set at 60°C, which is hotter than needed. This one change saves 10-15%.
• Insulate the first two meters of hot water pipes leaving your tank
• Fix dripping faucets (hot water drips waste heated water)
• Take shorter showers
• Wash clothes in cold water when you can

If your water heater is over 10 years old and showing signs of trouble, checking your energy efficiency rating before problems escalate can prevent both higher bills and unexpected breakdowns.

#2: Refrigerator (if pre-2000 model)

Monthly cost: $8-$17

Fridges never stop running. Older models from before 2000 can hit $200+ yearly. A fridge that’s not cooling properly wastes energy fighting to maintain temperature.

How to cut costs:

• Clean condenser coils twice a year (reduces energy by 5-10%)
• Set fridge to 37-40°F, freezer to 0°F
• Keep it 70-80% full (mass holds cold better)
• Check door seals (try the dollar bill test)
• Don’t put hot leftovers straight in the fridge

Garage fridges struggle badly when temperatures drop below -20°C. They can use 50% more energy trying to function in extreme cold.

#3: Washing Machine (if old top-loader, 10+ years)

Monthly cost: $4-$8

Most washing energy goes to heating water. The machine itself uses relatively little electricity. The good news is that you can save money on utilities.

How to cut costs:

• Wash in cold water (saves 80-90% of washing energy)
• Run full loads only
• Skip extra rinse cycles unless needed

Switching to cold water washing is one of the easiest changes in any money saving plan. Modern detergents clean just as well in the cold, and clothes last longer too. If your washer isn’t draining or spinning correctly, it might be using extra water and energy for additional cycles.

#4: Dryer (if 15+ years old)

Monthly cost: $8-$13

Calgary winters mean no line-drying from November to March. Your dryer gets heavy use and cold air intake makes the heating element work harder.

How to cut costs:

• Clean lint trap before every load (saves 5-10%)
• Clean the full vent system once a year
• Use moisture sensor settings
• Run full loads back-to-back to use retained heat
• Dry similar fabrics together

A clogged lint trap or vent is one of the most common reasons dryers lose efficiency and cost more to run.

#5: Dishwasher (if 10+ years old)

Monthly cost: $3-$7

Dishwashers use less water than hand-washing, but most of their energy goes to heating that water and drying dishes.

How to cut costs:

• Run only full loads
• Skip heat-dry (open door after rinse cycle instead)
• Use eco mode
• Scrape plates, don’t rinse them

Skipping heat-dry cuts energy use by 15-20%. Just pop the door open when the cycle ends. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes the way it should, you might be rewashing loads or running it more often than necessary.

#6: Oven and Range (especially electric models)

Cost: $5-$10 per month

Ovens and ranges use high power but aren’t used daily. Electric ranges draw more power than gas.

How to cut costs:

• Match burner size to pot size.
• Keep oven doors closed.
• Don’t preheat longer than needed.
• Use convection settings.
• Batch cook when possible.

If your oven runs hot, trips breakers, or won’t ignite, it usually means deeper issues that require professional repair to stop energy waste before it becomes a safety issue.

Calgary Appliance Energy Costs Compared

Here’s the breakdown:

Water heaters and refrigerators cost the most. Focus there first.

No-Cost Changes You Can Make Today

These cost zero dollars and can cut energy use by 10-20%. That’s $126-$227 saved annually.

You’re absolutely right! Let me fix that:

Monitor Your Progress Month by Month

Making changes is step one. Tracking results keeps you motivated.

How to monitor:

• Check your provider’s online account. Most show daily or monthly consumption.
• Compare the same month year-over-year. January 2024 vs January 2025 accounts for weather.
• Track kWh, not just dollar amounts. Rates change but kWh shows real usage.
• Keep a log of changes. Note when you lower water heater temp or start cold washing.

Reality check for Calgary winters:

Average winter electricity usage will always exceed summer. The goal is reducing the spike. If your bill typically jumps 60% in winter and you reduce that to 40%, you’ve made real progress.

Think about winter power outage situations. Knowing which appliances draw most power helps if you’re on backup power.

Control Your Winter Energy Spending

You can’t eliminate Calgary’s winter power spike, but you can control how much you spend. Start with the no-cost changes this week, track your usage and compare.

Most households cut appliance energy use by $100-$200 yearly through simple behavior shifts. That’s money staying in your account instead of going to utility bills.

Give your appliances the maintenance they need and you’ll see the difference in your monthly bill.