Here are some tips to help you save energy, save money and
do your part for the
environment.
| Furnace |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Click here to see a video on how to change your furnace filter |
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| Thermostat |
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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. |
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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!
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| Laundry |
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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. |
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Wash full
loads. |
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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. |
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| Weather-stripping |
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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. |
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Click here to see a video on how to apply weather-stripping to exterior doors |
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| Windows,
doorframes, sills and joints |
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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. |
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Use plastic
window covers to help prevent heat loss. |
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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. |
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Click here to see a video on how to apply caulking to windows and doors |
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Click here to see a video on how to apply shrink film to windows |
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| Basement |
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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. |
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Add insulation
to basement walls. |
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| Drapes
& Blinds |
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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. |
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Close your
drapes and blinds during the night. |
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| Pipes,
ducts, fans and vents |
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Plug gaps
around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings
and floors from heated to unheated spaces.
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| Showerheads
and faucets |
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Install low-flow showerheads
and faucets. |
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Click here to see a video on how to install a low-flow showerhead |
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Click here to see a video on how to install a Water Wizard ™ |
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| Dishwasher |
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Always wash
a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy
saver” setting. |
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| Garage |
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Turn on the
heat just prior to use, save by not heating it continuously. |
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| Wood Fireplace |
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Close the
damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and
ensure the damper fits properly. |
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| Other |
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Use the
Equalized
Payment Plan so you can average your bills and avoid peak winter
bills. |
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See what
the big energy users in your home are and get suggestions for changes
to save energy and money using energycheck,
a quick an easy home energy audit found on the SaskEnergy website.
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For more
energy savings tips visit the
Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada website.
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Furnace Maintenance 