Energy Saving Tips

Save energy, save money.

  • To avoid peak winter bills, sign up for the Equalized Payment Plan to spread your annual natural gas costs into equal monthly payments. 
  • When upgrading appliances look for the ENERGY STAR® certification. These products have higher energy efficiency levels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Furnace and Thermostat

  • A furnace that works at peak efficiency will use less energy and cost less to operate. Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and adjusted with annual maintenance
  • Every 1 to 2 months, clean or replace your furnace filter. A dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home. 
  • Consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® certified furnace. An average home can save up to 50% in natural gas and electricity costs annually when upgrading from a standard furnace to a 97% efficiency furnace with a variable speed motor. 
  • Lower your thermostat by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.  
  • Install a smart or programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree you turn down your thermostat.

Water Use 

  • Did you know that 85% to 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is to heat the water? Switch to cold when doing your laundry and wash full loads. 
  • Choose a front-loading washing machine. A front-loading washing machine uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy. 
  • Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
  • Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the ‘energy saver’ setting.
  • ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers use about a quarter of the energy used than washing dishes by hand and can save more than 26,000 litres of water a year. 
  • Water heaters 10 years or older are prone to leaks and rusty water. When it is time to upgrade, consider investing in a new ENERGY STAR® certified condensing or tankless condensing water heater.
  • Insulate water pipes to reduce heat loss (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
  • Ask your local Network Member about installing a heat trap to prevent heated water from flowing out of the water heater tank.

Weather Proofing

  • Weather stripping helps seal doors and windows and reduces your home's energy use. Apply weather stripping to windows, exterior doors, garage doors and attic doors. 
  • Identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. You can feel for leaks on a windy day or use incense sticks to locate them. Spider webs are also a sign that you have a draft. 
  • Use plastic window covers to help prevent heat loss. 
  • Have a wood fireplace? Close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney and ensure the damper fits.

Insulation

  • Tighten the building envelope and keep the heat in by adding wall and attic insulation. Even if you have attic insulation, adding an extra layer and increasing the R-value can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.
  • Add insulation to basement walls. An uninsulated basement can account for 20% of your home's heat loss. 

Vents

  • To prevent interference with the flow of heat through your home, keep air grilles and heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes.
  • Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.