Energy Conservation Tips
Coupons and Rebates
The Conservation Bureau's Every Kilowatt Counts program offers discount coupons up until August 31st on CFLs, ceiling fans, timers, and programmable thermostats.
http://www.everykilowattcounts.ca/index_e.php
Compact Fluorescent Lights
Before you buy, count the lights in your house and figure out which ones can use CFLs. Here's an online brochure you can use: The Compact Calculator.
Buy quality. These bulbs will be with you for a few years, so make sure you are getting bulbs you like. Look for stores that offer and demonstrate a range of bulbs. You may want to try a couple of bulbs first to find your favourite brand.
Decide on a warm or a brighter white light. Most stores sell CFLs with a colour temperature of around 3,500 K, which is a white light. Some stores will give you the option of a 2700 K light, which is a warmer yellow and closer to an incandescent bulb. Many people prefer these lights for table lamps and bedside lights.
Capsule bulbs, where the CFL is contained in a capsule to diffuse the light, are good for pot lights or wherever the bulb is exposed. You lose a little brightness, but it's not as harsh on the eyes.
Other things to look for are:
- The Energy Star label, an indicator of certified performance
- Instant on (no delay when you turn on the light)
- 10,000 hours rated life. We recommend 8,000 hours as the minimum.
- Low mercury content. Not every brand lists the mercury content, but you should ask for bulbs with less than 3 mg of mercury.
Air Conditioning and Natural Cooling
Natural cooling: cool your home with window fans.
See our Two Fan Challenge to see how you can keep a home cool during a heat wave with as few as two window fans. (Actually, you could use up to ten window fans and still use less electricity than one window air conditioner).
Responsible air conditioning
Clean your filters regularly, set the temperature to 26 degrees, use the fan setting at nights (like a window fan), and set the thermostat to 28 degrees when you are out of the house for more than four hours. Consider upgrading to a SEER 14 model for higher efficiency.
Appliances
Spot the pig
Want to know which appliances are costing you the most? You can use an appliance calculator at Hydro One or Power Wise to estimate the relative consumption of most appliances, including air conditioners, stoves, and fridges.
You can also see a chart of appliance consumption rates at http://www.greenontario.org/solutions/appliances.html.
Replace that old fridge
Chill Out is a program of the Clean Air Foundation that offers rebates and free pick-up of old fridges and freezers. The program is currently being piloted with London Hydro.
Look for EnerGuide labels
Look for the EnerGuide rating on any new appliance you are buying. For a list of products and their ratings, go to the EnerGuide website.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a great way to reduce your energy consumption when you are not around.
Toronto Hotline
If you live in Toronto, the Toronto Energy Efficiency Office has a hot line to help you install programmable thermostats: 416-392-1500.
EnerGuide Audit
Yes, the federal government cut the incentive program for retrofitting your home under the EnerGuide for Houses program, but you can still get a low-cost energy audit of your home by your local green community association or a private company. See Green Communities Canada for to find your local green community association, or Natural Resources Canada.
Click here for a list of approved contractors.
Links
Green Ontario
For information on energy conservation and other conserver issues and solutions, our sister site Green Ontario is an online guide to going green.
Find your local distributor
Click here for a list of local hydro distributors, and you can see if they offer any special incentives or rebates.
PowerWise
Six of Ontario's largest local electricity distribution companies (LDCs) along with the Ontario Ministry of Energy are working cooperatively under the name powerWISE® to deliver this multi-year, initiative designed to promote energy conservation to consumers and reduce the demand for electricity in their respective service areas.
The Conservation Bureau
The Conservation Bureau of the Ontario Power Authority was established in 2005 by the Ontario government to develop, coordinate and stimulate commitment to electricity conservation and demand management programs.
The Ministry of Energy
Visit the ministry's website for conservation news, policy, a heating and cooling guide, online energy calculators and more.
Eneract/Smart Living
Click here for "5 simple steps to $180 in energy savings". (PDF file - Adobe Reader required.)
Visit Smart Living for more actions and incentives that can help green your home and help you save money.
Clean Air Foundation
The Clean Air Foundation runs a number of great energy conservation programs.
Past Website Design Project
This page represents part of a past project completed by Adam Senour, Toronto Web Design Specialist.