How To Save Energy!

I want to save energy at home

Guelph is home to nearly 115,000 people living in over 47,000 homes and apartments. With an average of 26 light bulbs per home, that is a lot of opportunity for our community to be reducing the amount of energy we consume. Sounds simple? It is! The impact of everyone in Guelph changing a light blub is a lot. A compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) will last 8 times longer and a normal bulb and yet uses 4 times less the energy to make the same amount of light!

Changing a light blub is just one way you can reduce the amount of energy you use. Here are some other suggestions on how you can lower your energy usage.

Cooling


• Install an automatic setback thermostat that will control 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.
  

Furnace Tips
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.

• Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate.
  
• Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.
  
• Consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace with a variable speed motor. An average home can save up to $599 in natural gas and electrical costs annually when upgrading from a standard 60% efficiency natural gas furnace to a 95% efficiency furnace with a high efficiency variable speed motor.
  
• Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius (7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.
  

Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C you turn down your thermostat. With an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $80 a year!

Laundry


• Switch to cold when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money
• Wash full loads.
• Choose a front loading washing machine. Not only does a front loading washing machine save water, it saves energy as well. It uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.

Weather-stripping
Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.

Windows, doorframes, sills and joints
Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, doorframes, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft. Use plastic window covers to help prevent heat loss. Keep return air grills and heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes, so there is no interference with the flow of heat through your home.

Basement
If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for leaks by looking for spider webs. If there is a web, there is a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement. Add insulation to basement walls.

Showerheads and faucets
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Drapes & Blinds
On sunny days, open south facing drapes and let the sun in, a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don't receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed. Close your drapes and blinds during the night.

Pipes, ducts, fans and vents
Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.

Dishwasher
Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy saver” setting.

Garage
Turn on the heat just prior to use, save by not heating it continuously.

Wood Fireplace
Close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and ensure the damper fits properly.

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.

Copyright © 2011 Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. All Right Reserved. ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES	Privacy Policy | Site Map | Intranet