Here are some energy-conscious habits that help reduce costs for heating, cooling and appliance use. Be sure to get your landlord’s or property owner’s permission before you make any alterations to your apartment or condo. Remember, even if you plan on moving, you can always takes these electricity upgrades with you. Keep appliances in good working order. They will last longer and operate more efficiently. Talk to your superintendent. Purchase energy-efficient appliances. Phantom power or standby power is electricity consumed by electronic devices even when turned off (DVD players, TVs, phone chargers, coffeemakers with clocks/timers, etc.) Use a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all your devices…

Computers and Office Equipment Shut your computer down when not in use to save electricity and reduce wear on your system. Use a power bar with an integrated timer to shut off all devices and save on “phantom power” or “standby power”, the electricity that’s used by electronic devices even when turned off. When replacing your computer, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified model which is 15 to 40% more efficient than older models. Laptops use less energy than desktop models. Choose a flat-panel LCD computer monitor rather than a regular cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. Flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors use less electricity than comparably sized CRT models.…

BIG & Major Appliances Dishwashers: Using the dishwasher once daily uses less electricity and water than washing dishes three times a day. Use your dishwasher after 8 p.m. when electricity demand is less. Run the dishwasher only when full. Use the air-dry setting or leave the door open to naturally dry dishes. When buying a new dishwasher look for: ENERGY STAR label Short-cycle or econowash features There’s no need to pre-rinse your dishes in the sink before placing them in the dishwasher. Help the dishwasher work efficiently by regularly cleaning drains and filters. Dryers: Use your dryer after 8 p.m. when electricity demand is less. Using an outdoor clothesline during…

On the Road When you go on vacation, take your energy conservation tips with you. Turn off the lights, radios and TVs when you leave your hotel room. If your room has a coffeemaker with a timer or clock, unplug it after use. “Phantom power” or “standby power” is still there even when electronic devised are turned off. Conserve the use of towels. Do you really need fresh towels every day? Instead leave the towels to be washed in the bath tub and hang the towels you wish to reuse on the rack and leave a note for housekeeping. To conserve water and electricity, let your hotel know they don’t…

Fall & Winter Get your home ready for the change in temperature. Install a programmable thermostat. Properly set, it can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Set your thermostat at 20°C when you’re at home and 18°C when sleeping or away. Check for gaps in weather-stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and air conditioners. By reducing drafts, you could save up to 30% a year on heating costs. Change your furnace air filter monthly. Have a licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional service your furnace yearly to ensure it is operating at maximum efficiency. Vacuum refrigerator coils to make them more energy efficient. Replace your…

Energy Saving Tips for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs Electric-Heated Pools If your pool is heated with electricity install a heavy-duty timer to run your pump and heater for just 12 hours from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. This will save you electricity. This also applies for hot tubs/spas. When you install a timer to help ensure your safety, your pool must be plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet located a minimum of 3 metres (10 feet) from your pool. Gas-Heated Pools If your pool is heated with gas a heavy duty timer is not recommended. Please contact the Pool Council of Canada for more information. Why…

Caulk your windows and doors to prevent air leaks. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones is a significant step toward conservation. Shopping for New Windows When shopping for new windows, look for: ENERGY STAR qualified models. Low-E (low emissivity) glass and argon-filled glass between the panes. These materials efficiently reflect a great deal of furnace heat back into the home, as well as letting in sunlight. During the summer time, these windows reduce heat gain into the home compared to non-ENERGY STAR or conventional windows. ENERGY STAR qualified windows are rated for 2 climate zones in Ontario. Make sure you pick the right one for your home’s location. You may…

Dishwashers An economy cycle feature uses less hot water – about 85% of a dishwasher’s electricity is used just to heat the water. Dryers A “perma press” cycle tumbles clothes in cooler air for the last few minutes, to reduce wrinkling and save energy. A time control helps avoid over-drying and energy waste. An electronic moisture or temperature sensor will automatically shut the dryer off when clothes are dry – a great energy saver! Electric Stoves​ Self-cleaning ovens can be up to 25% more efficient because they are usually better insulated than other models. When it comes to normal usage, the heat is distributed more evenly so less energy is…