Tips to Help You Reduce Energy Bills
Energy efficiency is great for the environment, plus it can help you to reduce your energy bills.
We have listed these energy-saving tips, starting with the appliances that use the most power. Even if you only focus on the first two—your air conditioner and home heating system—it could add up to big savings.
Before You Buy a New Appliance:
When you shop for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol. It is an international symbol that clearly identifies energy-efficient products. By selecting an ENERGY STAR® labeled model, you could save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of your equipment.
Save on Your Air Conditioning Usage
- Try increasing your air conditioner temperature. Even 1 degree higher could mean significant savings and you will probably not notice the difference.
- Turn off your air conditioner at night and open your windows to let the night air cool your home.
- Keep central air conditioner usage to a minimum—or even turn the unit off—if you plan to go away.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat. Just set the times and temperatures to match your schedule, and you can save money and be comfortably cool when you return home.
- Get air conditioner maintenance each year—have your service person check the condenser coils, the evaporator coils, the blower wheel, the filter, the lubrication and the electrical contacts. Replace worn and dirty equipment for increased efficiency.
- Replace air conditioner filters every month.
- Buy the proper size equipment to meet your family’s needs—an oversized air conditioning unit will waste energy.
- If you have a furnace, consider replacing it at the same time as your air conditioning system. Why? Because your furnace fan blows cool air around your home, and a newer furnace fan can provide improved air circulation all year round, plus saves energy costs.
Save on Your Home Heating
These tips are very similar to air conditioner tips—only the temperature goes the other way.
- Consider the potential energy savings and peace of mind that can result from replacing an aging or inefficient home heating system. The sooner you upgrade, the sooner it can help you save money on your energy bills.
- Turn your furnace down slightly. Even a reduction of 1 degree can help you save on your energy bill.
- Again, a programmable thermostat can help you control furnace usage.
- Turn your heat down at night.
- Turn off heat in unused rooms and shut the doors.
- Turn down radiators in rooms that often overheat.
- Reduce your central heating to a minimum if you are taking a vacation.
- Keep in the heat of the day by closing your curtains in the evening.
Save on Your Hot Water
- Plug the basin or bath when you run any hot water.
- Insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss, and your water will stay hotter for longer. Keep the insulation 18" away from the top of the water heater.
- Take showers—a bath consumes about 5 times more hot water. Buy a low-flow showerhead for more efficiency and it will pay for itself in no time.
- Avoid washing dishes under hot running water, and do not pre-rinse before using the dishwasher.
- Repair dripping hot water taps immediately.
- Make sure hot water taps are always turned off properly.
Save on Your Laundry
- Wash full loads of laundry—you will use your machine less often, save time, and it is more energy-efficient.
- Wash at a lower temperature or the economy setting to help save even more.
- Use the spin cycle, and then hang washing out rather than tumble drying—your clothes and linens will smell fresher!
- If you need to tumble dry, try a lower temperature setting.
- Use your dryer for consecutive loads, because the built-up heat between loads lead to less energy use .
Save When Cooking
- Make sure your oven door closes tightly.
- Use a microwave rather than conventional oven, when possible.
- Keep the center of the pan over the element, and keep the lid on when cooking on the stovetop.
- Only boil the amount of water that you need—just ensure there is enough water to cover the heating element. Turn the element or electric kettle down as soon as it reaches the boiling point.
Save on Your Fridge & Freezer
- Defrost your fridge regularly. When ice builds up, your freezer uses more electricity. If it frosts up again quickly, check that the door seals are strong and intact.
- Don't stand the fridge next to the oven or other hot appliances if you can help it. Also ensure there is plenty of ventilation space behind and above it.
- Keep the fridge at 40°F and the freezer at 0°F. Empty and then turn your fridge off if you go on a long vacation (but make sure you leave the door open).
- Aim to keep your fridge at least three-quarters full to maintain maximum efficiency. A full fridge is a healthy fridge.
- Avoid putting warm or hot food in the fridge or freezer—it requires more energy to cool it down.
Save on Lighting
- Get into the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room.
- Use only one bulb for light fittings with more than one light bulb, or replace additional bulbs with a lower wattage version.
- Use energy-saving light bulbs that can last up to ten times longer than a normal bulb and use significantly less energy. A single 20- to 25-watt energy-saving bulb provides as much light as a 100-watt ordinary bulb.
- Use tungsten halogen bulbs for spotlights—they last longer and can be up to 100% more efficient.
- Fit external lights with a motion sensor.
- Use high-frequency ballasts for fluorescent tubes. They cut flicker and are more efficient than energy-saving light bulbs. They are suitable for kitchens, halls, workshops and garages.
Save with Proper Insulation
- Eliminate drafts by fixing a brush or seal to your exterior doors.
- Install covers for letterboxes and keyholes to reduce drafts.
- With the correct insulation in your attic, you can help eliminate the risk of ice damming and dangerous icicles. And, while you are at it, insulate your attic door or hatch at the same time.
- Insulate the floors above your basement.
- If your home was built after 1940, you probably have cavity walls. Have them filled with insulation which could help you save money every year.
Save on Your Windows
- If your windows are double or triple glazed, you should be able to see two or three layers of glass in your windowpanes. Poorly insulated window frames or single glazing can allow your home's heat to escape.
- Double- or Triple-glazing can help reduce heat loss through windows.
- For an instant low cost and temporary alternative fix, attach cling film to your window frame and set it in place with a hair dryer.
Save on Other Appliances
- Buy appliances with higher or more efficient ratings. Fridges, freezers, washing machines and tumble dryers are now rated for energy efficiency—check the black and white label for details.
- Switch off electrical appliances completely when not in use. TVs use power when in standby mode. PCs use quite a bit of power, too—consider upgrading to an energy-efficient monitor.
®Reproduced with permission of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, 2005.
