The Energy Action Council of Toronto (EnerACT) is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and energy conservation. EnerACT’s "Smart Steps, Simple Solutions" program provides information on the way in which you can reduce your energy bills at home: whether your home is a house or an apartment.
To make it even easier for you to achieve significant savings, EnerACT has made its Smart Living Journal – a simple, 12-week guide to lower energy bills – available on the “Challenge” section of its website: www.smartliving.ca.
Here are the top ten ways to lower your energy usage:
1. Install low-flow showerheads: Your shower accounts for about 30 - 40 percent of your hot water use. In addition to this, install aerators on your kitchen and bathroom taps. These two measures can reduce your water usage by as much as 50 percent. Finally, you should consider installing a toilet tank dam. All of these materials are available in the City of Toronto’s low-cost water conservation kits. To find out more call (416) 392-4546 or visit www.city.toronto.on.ca/watereff/index.htm.
2. Lower your hot water heater to 49 degrees and drain any sediment: Heating cold water is very energy intensive — and also a great place to save energy. Although you need to keep your water heater above 48 degrees C to prevent bacteria from building up, many hot water heaters are set too high. Experts also recommend draining a pint or so of water from your water heater a few times a year to reduce sediment and increase efficiency.
3. Add insulation to your hot-water heater: As long as you’re dealing with your water heater, you might as well add some insulation. Since the standard hot water heater is on all the time, adding extra insulation will save more energy than you think. Most hardware stores sell pre-made insulator “jackets” that can be easily wrapped around one’s water heater. Experts estimate that adding insulation to your water heater and any exposed pipes can knock up to 15 percent off the costs of heating water. Caution: Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before taking this step.
4. Check for and seal any cracks or gaps: Home heating is the single largest use of energy for the average customer. And since experts estimate that all of the tiny gaps and cracks in an older home are roughly equivalent to a one-foot square hole punched in your wall, sealing any cracks or gaps with caulking and weather-stripping can greatly improve energy efficiency. First, you should test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, etc. Observe the smoke to see if a draft is present. After you’ve sealed the gaps, think about adding some insulation to your floor, ceiling or walls — a bit of modern insulation can often work wonders for older houses.
5. Install a programmable thermostat: These wonders of modern technology give you greater control over your home comfort. In winter, set the thermostat to 21 degrees C when you are awake and 17 degrees C when you are asleep. In summer, set the thermostat to 26 degrees C and use a ceiling fan to cool your place. When the temperature outside falls to at least two degrees lower than the temperature inside, you should “vent” your home - that is, open your windows to let cool air in.
6. Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights: Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only about a third as much electricity as standard incandescents. According to some experts, if you substitute compact fluorescent bulbs for a quarter of the incandescents used in high-use areas, you can cut the amount of electricity you use on lighting by half.
7. Install motion detectors and light dimmers: Outdoor lights that are left on all night can add unnecessary costs to your power bill. Using a bulb or fixture with a motion detector solves the problem. And, while it is preferable to replace your incandescents with fluorescents, in cases where you are unable to do so try installing a light dimmer. This simple device can help you save big on your lighting costs. For example, an incandescent light dimmed by 25 percent can save 10 percent on energy use and extend the life of the bulb.
8. Look for EnerGuide and Energy Star certified appliances: All major electrical appliances sold in Canada must meet minimum energy efficiency standards and are required to display an EnerGuide label. For appliances, an indicator arrow on the left side of the EnerGuide scale means lower operating costs and long-term savings. When shopping for an air conditioner, look for display models with an indicator arrow to the right on the EnerGuide scale. The international Energy Star mark is also a good way to select energy-efficient appliances and office equipment. The Energy Star mark means that the unit meets strict energy conservation standards.
9. Cover your windows: In winter, close your curtains and shades at night; open them during sunny days. Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to maximize solar gain. Plant deciduous trees/plants at the south side of your house so that it shades your house in summer but allows for direct solar heating in winter.
10. Discontinue the use of your second refrigerator. Old beer fridge in the basement? Unplug it and make the trek upstairs to your new, energy-efficient fridge in the kitchen. It will be good for your heart -- and your energy bill.
Resources:
Smart Living: www.smartliving.ca
EnerACT: www.eneract.org
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