Energy-Saving Tips and Tools

There are many ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill. It all starts with being aware of your usage habits and taking these simple, low-cost actions to make your home and lifestyle more efficient.

Air-dry laundry

Clothes dryers use a lot of energy. Instead of using your dryer all the time, try an outdoor clothesline or foldable indoor drying rack. When you do use your dryer, be sure to use the lowest setting.

Buy Energy Star appliances

While this requires more of an investment, it is worth it in the long run. Energy Star rated appliances are designed to be more energy-efficient than standard appliances. They use advanced technologies that consume less energy while still providing the same level of performance. Over the lifespan of the appliance, the savings can add up significantly.

Use LED lightbulbs

LED (Light Emitting Diode) lightbulbs are much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They consume up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which means they require much less power to produce the same amount of light. LED lightbulbs also last longer and produce much less heat.

Install ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are an easy and cost-effective way to circulate warm and cool air throughout your home. Ceiling fans can prevent your heating and cooling system from working so hard and coming on as frequently, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable all at the same time. During summer months, set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise and during the winter months, set it to spin clockwise.

Seal air leaks around windows and doors

Sealing air leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulking helps to keep cold air from entering your home, making it more efficient to heat during the cold winter months. During the summer, it also helps keep your home cooler.

Clean or replace your furnace filter regularly

It’s important to clean or replace your furnace filter regularly (everything three months or so) to ensure it runs efficiently. The dirtier your filter, the harder your heating and cooling system has to work to keep your home the right temperature.

Take advantage of natural light

Sunlight offers many benefits – it can brighten your mood, help warm your home, and provide plenty of natural lighting so you don’t need to turn on the lights in your home.

Install a programmable thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat can help save energy costs because it allows you to set your heating and cooling system to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week based on your schedule. For example, if you’re away at work during the day, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature in the winter or raise it in the summer while you’re gone, and then have it return to a more comfortable temperature just before you come home. This can help reduce energy waste and save you money on your heating and cooling bills. Additionally, programmable thermostats can often be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, which can give you even greater control over your energy use and savings.

Turn off and unplug

It may seem like common sense but turning off lights and electronics when not in use is one of the easiest ways to save on energy costs. Additionally, you can avoid “phantom power” usage by unplugging small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and hair styling devices, which still draw a small amount of energy even when not in use.

Energy-Saving Resources

Find more tips, tools and resources at SaveOnEnergy.ca, including the Peak Perks™ Program which is open for enrollment to residential electricity customers across Ontario. Customers who participate in Peak Perks will receive a $75 virtual prepaid MasterCard^® reward. The program will reduce participants’ energy use when demand for electricity in Ontario is high during the summer months.