Conservation Tips
Monitoring your power consumption with the PowerWatch Real-Time Energy Monitor will help establish a conservation behavior that will yield a lifetime of savings. You can greatly enhance your savings by following these conservation tips.
Lighting
We've all been beat over the head with this one but it's a good place to start. Replacing the standard bulbs in your most frequently used fixtures with compact florescent bulbs will save you both energy and money. Another tip... when you're not in the room... TURN OFF THE LIGHT!!! (Hey, Dad was right!) For more information to help you determine your residential lighting needs go to:
- National Resources Canada - Lighting
Stop Air Leaks
Another very simple and cost effective way to save some money on your heating bills this winter... plug the holes!!! Seriously folks, walk around your house on a chilly day and see where the cold is making its way in. Caulk it, strip it, tape it, wrap it & seal it! For more information go to these helpful websites:
- Enbridge Residential - Stop Air Leaks
- National Resources Canada - Comprehensive Air-Leakage Control
Phantom Load
Just about every electronic device these days features a little LED light on it, a clock, and the convenience of "stand-by mode". Even though you turn them "off " they continue to draw power and account for significant portion of a home's energy consumption. Putting your electronics on a power bar or plugging them into an "all off" switch and turning them of can help reduce these standby losses. Turn your office equipment and electronics off when they won't be in use for extended periods. Contrary to what many people believe, personal computers do not last longer if they are never turned off. For more information on ENERGY STAR® approved electronics go to:
- National Resources Canada - Consumer Electronics
Major Appliances
By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you help the environment by cutting emissions that contribute to climate change. After all, the less energy we use, the less energy will be generated – and fewer pollutants released.
- National Resources Canada - Major Appliances
Hot Water Heaters
Why do we continuously heat water when we're not at home? If your conventional hot water tank is nearing the end of its useful life, consider replacing it with a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are capable of providing an instant, endless supply of hot water. Because these systems function on an "on-demand" basis, they don't require a holding tank to store pre-warmed water, meaning no stand-by losses. For more information to help you determine your water heater needs, go to:
- National Resources Canada - Water Use
- National Resources Canada - Water Heaters
Learn How Your House Works
Here's some suggested reading material (for those nights when you're having trouble sleeping). "Keeping the Heat In" is produced by Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency. Valuable information for any homeowner.
- National Resources Canada - Keeping the Heat In
Renovations & Retrofits
- National Resources Canada - Home Improvement
- CMHC - Renovation