Energy use creates CO₂ emissions locally through car exhausts, and remotely at the generating station. You can reduce energy consumption, save on your home energy bills and reduce CO₂ by implementing a few small changes around the house. These top ten tips will set you on the path to energy reduction.

1. Reduce drafts
2. Heating and cooling
3. Bathroom
4. Kitchen
5. Laundry room
6. Lights
7. Basement
8. Computer
9. Lawn and yard
10. Automobile

1. Draft proof your home
   • Locate and seal any air leaks (walls, ceilings, around windows and doors, floors and basements).
   • Check the weather-stripping on all windows and doors. Replace if worn or damaged.
   • Perform a home energy /water audit as a family project.

2. Heating and cooling

   Cooling

   • Install an automatic setback thermostat that turns off your air conditioner at night.
   • During the day, set the thermostat in your house to 25.5 ºC.
   • Keep blinds and/or curtains drawn when your home is unoccupied during the day.
   • Turn off your air conditioner when you will be away for extended periods.

   Heating

   • Set your thermostat to 21ºC when you are in the house during the day, 18ºC when you are sleeping and 15ºC when you are out.
   • Have your furnace serviced annually, and regularly clean or replace filters for optimum performance.
   • Use air deflectors to direct air into rooms.
   • Close your fireplace damper and cover the opening when not in use.
   • Keep all air registers/radiators clean and free of obstructions.
   • Insulate hot air ducts and hot water pipes that pass through unheated space.
   • Seal all ductwork seams with duct tape.

   

3. Bathroom
   • Install water efficient low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
   • Install an ultra low-flow toilet or an early closure valve.
   • Take showers instead of baths - they use less water.
   • Let bath water stand in the tub until it has released its heat into the house.

4. Kitchen
   • Repair leaky faucets by installing new washers.
   • Install a tap aerator on your kitchen faucet.
   • Place your freezer in a cool, dark place.
   • Place your fridge out of direct sunlight and away from the stove.
   • Only use your dishwasher for full loads and do not activate the drying/warming cycle.
   • When purchasing appliances, follow the Energuide rating.
   • Keep refrigerator condenser coils clean. Condenser coils are normally located at the bottom or at the rear of the refrigerator.
   • Thaw frozen food in the fridge to reduce spoilage and help cool fridge.
   • Make sure the fridge door fits tight. Replace any damaged seals.
   • Allow foods to partially cool before placing in the refrigerator.
   • Use pots with tight fitting lids - the food cooks faster.
   • Use pans that match the size of the burner. Also, use flat bottom pans so heat spreads evenly.
   • Use a microwave oven when possible.
   • Cook by time and temperature. Don't open the oven door to peek at cooking food.
   • Electric kettles are faster and use less energy than boiling water on the stove.
   • Use reflector foils or pans under electric stove elements to reflect heat.

   

5. Laundry room
   • Wait for a full load of wash or use the small-load setting.
   • Wash in cold water.
   • When purchasing a new washer, consider a front-loading washer.
   • Hang clothes outside to dry.
   • Clean the lint filter after each dryer load to maintain full airflow and maximize drying efficiency.
   • Do all your laundry within a short period - by drying consecutive loads, the energy used to bring the dryer to the proper temperature harnesses heat efficiently.

6. Lights:
   • Use motion sensor lights for outdoors. (Adjust the sensitivity to suit the environment.)
   • Use energy-efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs. They require less energy and last 10 times longer than regular bulbs.
   • Install a programmable light switch to turn off lights automatically. The switch can turn lights off when no one is home during the day and lights that are accidentally left on.
   • Install dimmers in areas where full lighting is not always required, e.g., the dinning room.
   • Use task lighting (lamps) wherever possible.
   • Place floor lamps or table lamps in a corner. Light will reflect from two walls, making the room brighter without turning on more lamps.
   • Use timers to turn lights on and off while you are away on vacation or out for the evening.

   

7. Basement
   • Wrap the electric hot water heater with an insulating blanket (glass-fibre or foam insulation wrap) and insulate exposed hot water pipes.
   • Set the temperature of your hot water heater to a maximum of 48ºC/120ºF.
   • Drain about 4.5 litres (1 gallon) every 2 to 3 months from the hot water heater drain tap to remove sediment and mineral build-up from the bottom of the tank.
   • If your basement is unfinished, insulate between joists, just above the foundation wall, to prevent air leaks.

8. Computer
   • Turn on the energy-saver option on your computer.
   • Turn off your computer and all your computer accessories if they will not be used for a long period.

   

9. Lawn and yard
   • Plant deciduous trees and bushes on the south and east side, and coniferous trees on the north and west side of the house. This provides shade for the house in the summer, a windbreak in the winter, and filters carbon from the air.
   • Plant drought-tolerant plants in the garden.
   • Remember that lawns typically need only 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
   • Use a push-lawn mower to save energy and reduce emissions.

10. Automobile
    • Inspect and replace air filters in your car regularly.
    • Change the oil and oil filter in your car regularly.
    • Use a block heater with timer to heat the engine (two-three hours before using) on cold mornings. Warm engines use less fuel to start.
    • Keep tires properly inflated.
    • Plan your trips to optimize vehicle use.