some tips to help you save energy, save money

Here are some tips to help you save energy, save money and do your part for the environment.

Try these easy, low-cost or no-cost energy saving tips.
See how easy it is to save energy and money.

Furnace

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 $549 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.

Click here to see a video on how to change your furnace filter

Thermostat

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 a programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C you turn down your thermostat. With a programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $71 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.

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.

Showerheads and faucets

Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

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.

Other

Use the Equalized Payment Plan so you can average your bills and avoid peak winter bills.

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.