There's so much to love about winter: hot chocolate, snow forts and a good ol’ curling bonspiel, to name a few. That doesn’t mean the chilly season is all fun and games.
Energy bills rise when the temperature drops, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show your bill who’s boss. Here are some easy ways to control your energy costs — and give your wallet a break!
Appliances
Appliances are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to home energy inefficiency. Luckily, there are simple ways to combat electricity waste that you can start today.
Banish that phantom energy
Appliances are one of the biggest energy wasters in the home. Even when not in use, your oven, TV, computer, and microwave continue to drain small amounts of energy throughout the day. This phenomenon is called phantom energy — and it’s costing you!
While some appliances need to be plugged in all the time, you can save energy by unplugging the ones that don’t. Unplug your gaming console, printer, toaster, and other small appliances when not in use to save on your next energy bill.
Did you know? By unplugging unused appliances, the average household can save over $100 per year. It pays to unplug!
Choose energy-efficient appliances
Your journey to home efficiency starts in store. When shopping for new appliances, prioritize ones that are energy efficient. ENERGY STAR certified appliances come with the guarantee that they are built to a higher standard of energy efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
Adjust your dinner plans
If your appliances are still in good shape, a few easy adjustments to the way you use them can help save energy too.
Do you really need to use the oven? A microwave or toaster can often get the same job done for a fraction of the energy. Worried about dryness? The toaster oven is another great alternative to the traditional oven, without the risk of nuking your chicken dinner. Not only can a toaster oven bring deliciously moist meals to life, but it can also save energy — to the tune of 30–50%!
If you are going to use the traditional oven, make the most of it. Prep multiple dishes at once to minimize the time and energy needed to pre-heat, cook and warm your famous ribs and mini cornbread muffins.
Heating
Sorry, dad! It’s going to take more than an extra sweater to keep the household warm this winter. Good thing there are plenty of other ways to seal in heat and keep the energy bill low.
Use physics to your advantage
Wear your fuzzy slippers because you love them, not because you need them. Heat rises — and you can use this physics hack to save on energy! A warm basement keeps the whole home toasty by circulating warm air up to the main floors. That means no more ice-cold floors in the morning and a basement you don’t have to dread. Keep those tootsies toasty. Thanks, science!
Choose your window coverings carefully
Windows provide your home with natural lighting and a view, but these benefits come with a cost in the winter. Choosing the right window coverings can help insulate them from the cold winter air.
Blinds typically beat fabric when it comes to insulating windows, but this look isn’t for everyone. Insulated drapes and blinds pack an even bigger punch to winter drafts and can put a dent in your monthly energy bill.
Replace your furnace filter
Kick off cold weather season with a new furnace filter. Regularly changing your furnace filter extends the life of your HVAC unit, supports healthy air quality and saves energy. Even better — replacing a furnace filter only costs $10–$30 on average, so it’s worth keeping your furnace filter fresh.
Want to learn more about replacing your furnace filter? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers to all your questions and more.
Closing vents in unused rooms
Contrary to popular belief, closing doors and vents in unused rooms doesn’t actually save energy. Sealing off that extra guest room will keep it cooler, but your heating system will continue to pump the same amount of warm air into your home. Ultimately, this adds extra pressure to your vents, which can cause air leaks and even more energy waste in your home. Keeping vents open at least 25% lets your air system work as intended, keeps the most important rooms warm, and prevents heater damage.
Water
Hot water is a main source of energy use in your home. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice your steaming hot morning shower to improve energy efficiency. Here are some tips for cutting your water
Go Tankless
Is it time to go tankless? We know a water heater isn’t the most exciting purchase you’ll ever make. At least we really hope it isn’t. But if it’s time for a new one, consider going tankless.
Tankless water heaters are up to 35% more efficient than storage tank water heaters. They cost more upfront, but last twice as long as a conventional hot water heater. It could be your energy-saving BFF for the next 30 years.
About that steaming hot shower...
You don’t have to sacrifice your morning shower, but does your hot water need to be, well, so hot? Less hot water means less energy to heat it, and less time waiting for the bathroom during the morning rush. Lowering the temperature on your hot water tank by just a few degrees can make a huge difference in your energy usage.
If you like it hot, you can balance your energy usage by shortening your shower time each day, or by installing a reduced-flow shower head! This is a quick improvement that only takes minutes to install, but drastically decreases your water usage.
Pro tip: You don’t need to sing every one of your favourite 80s songs in the shower. Edit that playlist to enjoy energy and cost savings on your energy bill!
Upgrade your overworked washing machine
Is your washing machine working overtime? In larger households, it can seem like the washing machine is always running. If your laundry is never-ending, consider upgrading to a high efficiency washing machine. High-efficiency washers require a fraction of the water than old school machines, which converts into real savings over time.
Vehicle
Know when to plug in
Did you know you don’t have to plug in your car until temperatures fall below -15°C? Did you also know your block heater only needs two hours to warm up? Don’t plug in before you need to. Setting up a heating schedule on a timer will help save energy and trips outside to switch on the power.
Lighten the load
Well-maintained vehicles run more efficiently in colder weather, and all year round. Clean oil, properly inflated tires, and less excess baggage in the car all help boost efficiency. That means more bang for your buck, whether you’re driving a brand-new Tesla or a ’95 Riviera.
Like a boss
Take control of your energy bill by maximizing home energy efficiency! Get started with a Home Energy Audit today! The reward? Lower bills, a warmer home, and the satisfaction of being a leader in home energy efficiency.
