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Tips

Sometimes making small changes and adjustments can make a big difference in your electricity bill. Below are some tips for saving energy and reducing costs. Also remember that, when purchasing new appliances, buy the most energy efficient, as noted on the Energuide label.

Home Heating Tips

  • Fireplaces can waste energy. Glass doors are more effective than a mesh fire screen for reducing the heat loss after the fire has gone out.
  • If you do not use your fireplace, close off the unused chimney with any material (plywood, hardboard, styrofoam, etc.) that will block airflow. Dampers should be kept closed on fireplaces when they are not in use.
  • To maintain efficiency of your heating system remove dust and dirt that accumulate on the metal fins. This will ensure an unrestricted airflow.
  • Plastic sheets improve the insulation value of windows and can help eliminate window condensation problems.
  • Insulated drapes drawn over windows at night save energy by providing another layer of insulation. Take care though, as condensation can build up between the drapes and the window and extra ventilation may be required.
  • Drapes kept open during sunlight hours make effective use of the sun during the day. In the summer, drapes keep some heat out, but external awnings or roof overhangs do an even better job.
  • Save energy by closing doors to unused rooms and turning the thermostat back slightly. Remember though, that during extremely cold weather unoccupied rooms must be heated slightly to prevent condensation, mold and mildew.
  • Ensure mercury thermostats are level to get a true reading when turning the heat up or down.
  • Consider using timers for your thermostats so they can be set to come on an hour before waking.
  • Basements account for 20-35% of total heat loss. Basement walls should be insulated to at least R-12. Be sure to correct any problems such as water dampness before you insulate.

 

Appliance Use Tips

Refrigerator

  • Check the seal on your refrigerator and freezer doors – especially older models. You can do this by placing a thin piece of paper between the seal and the door frame, closing the door and trying to pull the paper out. If the paper is not held snugly in place, you should adjust the door or replace the seal. Be sure to check several places around the door.
  • Avoid having the refrigerator door open more than necessary. Locate what you want quickly. It takes only a few seconds for cold air inside to spill out into the room.

Ranges and microwaves

  • Small cooking appliances are generally more efficient than a range. Slow cookers can use up to 80% less energy than would be required to cook the same food on the range.
  • Cooling food before you place it in your refrigerator or freezer means the appliance does not have to work as hard.
  • By cooking foods together that require the same oven temperature you'll make full use of a high energy user. Place dishes so they do not touch each other or the oven walls.
  • The lower the wattage, the less electricity an appliance uses. A toaster oven at 1500 watts is a more efficient alternative than a conventional oven at 3200 watts. A microwave oven uses less than half the energy of a conventional oven because almost all the energy is absorbed by the food.
  • Matching pot size to range element will ensure maximum heat transfer.
  • Use tight fitting lids to retain heat and moisture and to shorten cooking time.
  • Flat-bottomed pans are best because they transfer and conduct heat evenly allowing faster cooking and better browning.

Dishwasher

  • A dishwasher uses most of its electricity in the drying cycle. If you are worried about water spots on dishes, use a rinse agent to reduce spotting on air-dried dishes.
  • If you have one, use the energy-saving or power-saving cycle.

 

Lighting

  • Clean fixtures, bulbs and lamp parts at least once a year. Dust and dirt accumulation lowers efficiency and light levels. When cleaning, unplug the fixture or turn the power off.
  • Use lower wattage bulbs particularly in areas that don't require too much light, such as hallways and storage areas. If you do need bright light, a single 100-watt bulb will give the same amount of light as two 60-watt bulbs, while using less energy.
  • Use a timer to turn lights on at dusk and off at midnight . This also contributes to house security.
  • Lighting is needed for safety and security outdoors but isn't necessary when no one is around. Use a motion sensor to switch lights on when needed.
  • Fluorescent lights last 18 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs and provide the same amount of light at lower operating costs. Consider replacing regular fluorescent lamps with the new energy-efficient variety. A standard four-foot fluorescent tube uses 40-watts, while the energy-efficient variety uses 34 or 32 watts. Higher purchase prices and installation costs are offset by lower operating costs.
  • Dimmers provide energy savings and add diversity to your lighting options by allowing you to vary the light level in the room to match the need. Only incandescent lights, however, should be on dimmer switches.
  • Use night lights as an efficient alternative to leaving lights on in areas which are unoccupied.

 

Use Your Hot Water More Efficiently

  • Leaky faucets waste water. If the drip is hot water, energy is wasted. One drip per second can amount to a loss of almost 200 gallons per month and cost $30 to $40 dollars a year in energy loss.
  • After bathing, leave hot water in the tub instead of immediately draining. Heat from the water is released into the air. Take care to supervise children around the tub while cooling.
  • Soak pots and dishes in cool water instead of hot.
  • Wash clothes in cold water - if you presently do your laundry in warm water and rinse in cold, switching to cold will save you energy and money. Savings are even greater if you use hot and switch to cold. Some detergents are designed specifically for cold water washing.