Home Energy Saving Tips
1. Reduce energy use:
Adopt energy-saving habits. Make it a habit to turn off the lights as you leave a room. Also, replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Turn off your computer and unplug electronics when they are not in use.
2. Insulate your home Insulate yourself and your home.
By properly insulating your home, you can ensure that heat stays in or out depending on the season. You can do this by purchasing windows and window coverings that will block out or keep in warmth, and by sealing any existing cracks. In winter, reduce your thermostat by two degrees Celsius to enjoy energy savings and a cozy sweater. In summer, use fans to circulate air, and set air conditioners to make your home a comfortable temperature. Lowering the temperature on your water heater to between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius and insulating your pipes also makes a difference. Federal government programs such as the Eco ENERGY initiative provide incentives for energy-saving home upgrades.
3. Make every drop count:
Conserve water by fixing drips and leaks, and by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets. Challenge yourself to a speed shower. Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving. Treating and transporting water requires energy, while water conservation results in reduced energy requirements and carbon emissions.
4. Cool wash and hang to dry:
These are not just washing instructions on a label anymore, but an equation for energy savings. Wash clothing in cold water and hang the clothing to dry outside, or indoors on a drying rack. Taking these steps will reduce your electricity bill and also prolong the life of clothing by reducing wear on the fabric caused by dryers.
5. Maintenance of your Furnace:
Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and, properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate. Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home. Consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace with a variable speed motor. An average home can save up to $530 in natural gas and electrical costs annually when upgrading from a standard 60% efficiency natural gas furnace to a 95% efficiency furnace with a high-efficiency variable-speed motor.
6. High-efficiency appliances
When replacing appliances, look for high-efficiency units. Appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings, an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products, typically utilize a minimum of 20 percent less energy. This means savings for you and the environment.
7. Switch to "green power"
Research where your power is coming from - wind, water, coal, or solar - and talk to your power provider to determine if a greater percentage could be coming from renewable resources. Encourage power providers to switch to green power and, if possible and/or economically viable, switch to a company offering power from renewable resources.
8 Saving Energy while doing your Laundry:
Switch to cold when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money. Wash full loads. Choose a front-loading washing machine. Not only does a front loading washing machine save water, but it also saves energy as well. It uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.
9. Plants, our new best friend
When gardening, select plants that are well suited to your climate and require minimal watering and attention. Better yet, plant a tree, and it will provide shade and soak up carbon from the atmosphere.
10. Thermostat:
Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius (7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home. Install a programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C you turn down your thermostat. With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $60 a year!