Energy Efficiency Tips

This section contains excellent energy saving tips that can be incorporated into your daily lifestyle at little or no inconvenience to you.

For more information in Canada, please visit the Department of Natural Resource's Office of Energy Efficiency website.

Also Government of Canada's Action on Climate Change website.

If you live in the United States, please visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

HEATING |  AIR CONDITIONING |  MAJOR APPLIANCES |  LIGHTING

i) Heating

Lower Your Thermostat

If you have electrical heaters, for every 1°C (2°F) you lower your thermostat, you’ll save 2% on your heating bill. For optimal savings, reduce your thermostat by 3°C (5°F) at night and when you are away.

Use Caulking and Weather stripping

If you added up all the cracks and holes of exterior walls for a typical home, there would be a hole the size of a basketball in the side of your house. Caulking or weather-stripping to get rid of drafts and leaks can reduce your home heating needs by as much 20%. For maximum results, seal around windows and doors, baseboards, attic hatches, outdoor electrical outlets and switches.

Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

If not already done, it would be wise to adequately insulate your basement and attic. Using proper insulation in these two areas alone can reduce an electrical bill by as much as 30%.

Use Your Curtains Wisely

Keep your curtains open during the days in winter. This allows solar energy into your home and can save you up to 5% on your heating costs.

ii) Air Conditioning

Remove Window Air Conditioners During Winter Months

If the air conditioners are fixed in place, seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket to avoid heat loss.

Use Fans

Fans should always be your first line of defense against summer heat. A 60-watt ceiling fan costs between 8¢ and $1.50 per month to operate while an air conditioner can cost between $7 and $40 per month.

Set Your Air Conditioner

Set your air conditioner at 24°C and raise it when you go out. For each degree set below 24°C, you use 3-5% more energy. This recommended setting will give you the most comfort at the least cost.

Clean that Filter

You should clean your air conditioner every month. A dirty air filter reduces air flow and may damage the unit. Clean filters allow the unit to cool down quicker and use less energy.

 

iii) Major Appliances

If you are in the market for a new major appliance, always look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when shopping.

This symbol identifies the most energy efficient appliances in each class. The improvements in appliances over the past decade have been significant. For example, a 2004 model refrigerator uses less than half of the electricity of a unit built 10 years ago.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Clean the refrigerator heating coils regularly. Also, keep the rubber door seals clean and tight. A good test to check the seal is to stick a sheet of paper between the door and refrigerator. If the paper slips out easily, the door is not sealed properly.

Unplug that second refrigerator or freezer. Unless you really need these appliances, they are a needless waste of energy and money, particularly if they are older, less-efficient models.

To increase the efficiency of the units, keep them away from heat sources (direct sunlight, heat vents, radiators) and appliances (stove, dishwasher) that can make them work harder to stay cool.

Dishwasher

You should always select the dishwasher’s no-heat or air-drying cycle. Scrape off your dishes instead of rinsing them and only run the dishwasher when it’s completely full.

Washer and Dryer

You should always rinse your clothes in cold water. They’ll still come out as clean as if they were rinsed in hot water. Also, washing in warm rather than hot water uses 50% less energy per load.

The best energy saving tip with regards to your dryer is to use a clothes line in warmer months. At other times, do not over-dry the clothes. Most loads will dry in 40-60 minutes.

If you are looking for a new dryer, buy one with a moisture sensor. It will turn off automatically when clothes are dry. If you're looking for a new washer, consider a front loading machine. It uses 40% less water than older models.

iv) Lighting

Install Outdoor Automatic Timers or Motion Sensors

Automatic timers and motion sensors are great for a couple of reasons. First, you won’t have to remember to turn your outdoor lights on in the evening or off during the day. Second, a timer can cut your outdoor lighting energy use by up to half.

Use Florescent Light Bulbs

Using only 5 fluorescent light bulbs can result in savings of $30 a year on your electrical bill. In fact, if every household in Canada changed just one traditional bulb to a qualified compact florescent, Canadians would save $73 million in energy costs every year. That’s right, $73 million.

 

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