Top Ten Ways to Save Energy & Reduce your Electricity Bill
| 1. | Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs They may cost more than regular light bulbs, but one compact fluorescent light bulb can save you three times its cost in electricity. They last up to 10 times longer and can use up to 75% less electricity. You can replace a regular 100 watt light bulb with an 18 watt compact fluorescent. |
| 2. | Install a Programmable Thermostat If you install a programmable thermostat with a built-in timer, you can set it to automatically lower the heat by a few degrees at night or when you are away. If you have air conditioning, you can use the thermostat to turn it off or adjust the temperature when you are not at home. Your energy savings will easily pay for the cost of the thermostat in the first year. |
| 3. | Remove or Replace Your Old Second Refrigerators It may be convenient having an extra refrigerator for refreshments, but old, inefficient refrigerators can cost you well over $10 a month in electricity. The refrigerator is one of the biggest electricity users in your home. If you purchase a new one, be sure to check the EnerGuide label and look for the ENERGY STAR® label so you are sure of energy savings when making your buying decision. |
| 4. | Look For The ENERGY STAR® Name & Label ENERGY STAR® is an international symbol that identifies many energy efficient products in Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries. The ENERGY STAR® symbol helps businesses and consumers identify products that are at "the top of their class" in terms of energy efficiency. |
| 5. | Eliminate Air Leaks Drafts around windows, doors, air vents and electrical outlets can account for as much as 25% of your total heating costs. That means there are significant savings available if you caulk and weather-strip windows, doors, dryer vents, and buy insulated plates for electrical outlets. |
| 6. | Install Motion Sensor Switches & Timers To avoid leaving your outside lights on for long periods of time, install a motion sensor that turns the lights on automatically when somebody walks by and then turns the lights off after a pre-set period of time. Install timers on selected lights to avoid leaving lights on around the clock and to make your home look occupied when you are away. |
| 7. | Use LED Seasonal Lighting Using light-emitting diode (LED) seasonal lights both inside and outside your home is a great way to conserve energy and save money. LED lights use up to 95% less energy, last at least 7 times longer than regular lights, there are no filaments or glass bulbs to break, and they produce very little heat. Seasonal LED bulbs come in a variety of shapes and colours. |
| 8. | Install Insulation You can save energy and money by increasing the amount of insulation in your home to keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The attic is a good place to start because that area represents as much as 15% of your home's overall heat loss. |
| 9. | Check Your Windows Caulk and weather-strip around windows to help prevent heat loss and use plastic window covers. Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun warm the room and then close them at night to reduce heat loss. In the summer time, close blinds and curtains during the day to reduce the costs of keeping your home cool. If you can afford it, upgrade the windows in your home with ENERGY STAR® qualified high-efficiency windows. |
| 10. | Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water You can save energy and money by washing all of your laundry in cold water. If you currently both wash and rinse in warm water, and you switch entirely to cold, you could save over $14 a month (based on electric water heating) |
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Guide
Meet the Conserver family and learn how everyone in your household has a part to play in energy conservation! This comprehensive handbook includes tips on becoming more energy efficient in your home and how to manage your electricity costs when it comes to daily routines and activities, whatever the season.
As an educated consumer you have the power to manage your energy usage and make wise choices. Implementing more efficient equipment and modifying everyday behaviours are simple ways to benefit your household and the environment.
Download the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Guide [1.7MB]
