| |
 |
 |
|
|
Air quality |
|
|
|
There are many things individuals can do to help reduce air pollution and lessen climate change. Remember clean air begins at home.
Don't forget to check out the Livegreen listing of energy saving programs and organizations to help you reach your reduction targets.
Tips to reduce energy use at home
- Set thermostat (for heating) down 1ºC during the day and/or 2ºC at night; set thermostat (for cooling) up 1ºC during the day and/or 2ºC at night
- To keep the heat in (during winter), close window coverings each night and open for the daylight hours on sunny days; to keep the cool air in (during summer), close window coverings for the daylight hours on sunny days
- Clean or replace your furnace filter regularly (e.g., every two months)
- Use cold water instead of hot water every time you wash your clothes
- Reduce the number of drying cycles by half (by hanging your clothes or making sure your dryer is full)
- Keep air vents and doors to unused rooms closed when your furnace or air conditioner is operating
- Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator by brushing off or vacuuming the dust
- Use your dishwasher only when full; use the energy-saving or light wash cycle; select the air dry option
- Turn off light, computers, TVs and DVDs when not in use; to reduce "Phantom" or "stand-by" power use, plug electrical items into a power bar and switch off
- Close the fireplace damper or air-tight fireplace door after each use of your fireplace
Download a PDF version of the 20/20 home energy use reduction tip card (PDF file size 273KB)
Additional actions to save more money and help you reach a 20 percent target
Actions outlined in the following checklist will require a bit more effort, but they are well worth it in terms of the comfort, financial savings and environmental benefits of reaching a 20 percent (or more) reduction in your home energy use.
Download the Home Energy Saving Checklist (PDF file size 51KB)
|
|
|
