Energy Saving Tips

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1) In the summer time close the drapes to block the sun from getting in to reduce air conditioner energy use.

2) Open drapes in the winter to help heat the house.

3) Replace all commonly used light bulbs with energy efficient flourecent bulbs ( re: 100 watt incandecent to 20 watt flourecent = 5x less energy use ). Think about how much power your bathroom vanity lights use. Mine has 3 x 60 watt bulbs. They sell 15 watt relacements that give off just as nice of light ( 45 watts instead of 180 wow!).

4) Take a walk around the house and look for holes in the foundation. Seal up areas by parging or using a sealer. Areas where pipes go in/out area typical areas to look for. Sealing will reduce any cold/warm air from getting in.

5) Check the area where the foundation meets the upper part of the house. Gaps there could be a big source of cold/warm air drafts.

6) Take a look around your windows and seal any air gaps.

7) Install/Reinstall insulation strips around doors and windows to ensure less drafts.

8) take a look up in the attic to see if there is insulation up there and that it covers the ceiling properly. It's possible if there are any penings in the soffits that animals may have moved insulation around. Repair any such holes.

9) Install attic good vents if they do not exist or are old passive vents.

10) Insulate basement walls.

11) Put down a vapour barrier on the floor of crawlspaces that do not have one already.

12) Make sure walls are insulated properly.

13) Switch to natural gas from oil or wood if possible. Even though wood may be cheap if you're getting it for next to nothing it is pretty bad for the environment.

14) Install weather sealer over windows.

15) Close off registers/heaters in rooms that never get used and close the door. Only go in if you really have to.

16) Don't use hair dryers or other electronic that have heating coils in them unless absolutly nessesary.

17) Only do full loads of laundry. The dryer and washer are major users of energy.

18) Doing tips 4,5,9 and 10 may enable you to save a bundle by using a dehumidifier a lot less.

19) Use your air conditioner(s) less. Turning the thermostat from 72 or lower up to 80 could save you hundreds of dollars in a year. Wear shorts and cooler cloths in the house (businesses let your employees wear summer clothes).

20) Turning your furnace down to 67 instead of 72 or higher could also save you a bundle. Wear a sweater and heavier pants in the winter.

21) Use your microwave when ever possible since it uses far less energy than your stove.

22) Turn things off when you're not using them. That includes your computer, TV, radio, lights, etc.

23) Get rid of that old second fridge in your basement you put your beer in. Get a small bar fridge instead. It will use less than a third or more power. Also replace your ancient deep freezer with a new one that is the right size for your needs. An oversized freezer with only a few items in it (not a couple sides of beef) is a big waste.

24) When buying a new applicance look for the Energy Star sticker.

25) Consider replacing your furnace and air conditioner with a geo thremal heat pump if you need a new furnace or A/C. A Geo Thermal Heat Pump could save you thousands in the first few years alone offsetting the initial installation costs. Consider a high efficiency furnace and better energy rated A/C if geo thermal is impractical or too expensive for you.