How you can Save Energy

There are many things you can do to dramatically reduce your energy consumption and impact on our environment. Some may require changing habits but are easy once they become part of your household's daily routine.

Heating your home

• Install a new high-efficiency furnace.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Turn down your thermostat by 2°C at night.
• Clean or replace your furnace air filter once per month.
• Open all window coverings facing south or west on sunny days.
• Close window coverings from dusk until dawn.
• Close the fireplace and air-tight stove damper after use.
• Permanently seal an unused fireplace.

Cooling your home

• Replace your old air conditioning unit with a new high efficiency “Energy Star” or better rated one.
• Set your air conditioning 2°C higher during extended absences.
• Close window coverings facing south or west on sunny days.
• Use ceiling fans to disperse hot air spots.
• Plant shade trees for natural cooling.

Water heating and consumption

• Set back your water heater thermostat to 54°C/130°F.
• Upgrade your hot water heater to an energy efficient one.
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Fix any leaky faucets or continuously running toilets.
• Place tube insulation around all hot water pipes.

Insulate your home

• Apply weather-stripping to exterior doors.
• Caulk around all window and door frames.
• Doorsills need a threshold seal or door sweep.
• Caulk along the top and bottom of baseboards.
• Install gaskets and plugs in electrical outlets and light switches.
• Add insulation to your attic and seal cracks and holes where plumbing, a chimney, ducts or wiring pass through.
• Make sure the attic hatch door is sealed.
• Add insulation to unfinished basement walls and floors.
• Install quality windows and/or heat reflective film.

Save on electricity

• Turn off all lights not being used.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting.
• Use air dry on dishwasher rather than heat dry.
• Use only full loads for dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.
• Clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load.
• Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator twice a year.
• Turn off appliances, electronics and computers when not in use.
• Buy Energy Star labeled major appliances and electronics.
• Buy a furnace with an energy efficient, variable speed ICM motor.
• Have an “EcoEnergy” test conducted in your home.