1.    Use a programmable (automatic set-back) thermostat for air conditioning and heating.  On winter nights set temperatures at 16°C or 60°F.  In summer, 27°C or 80°F will provide a comfortable environment.  Experts advise that you can save money by turning off the air conditioner during the day while at work.  Always turn off the air conditioner when leaving an empty house for extended periods.

In summer, for every degree F that you raise your thermostat setting above 78°F you will save 6 – 8% on your air conditioning bill.  For example, if you set your thermostat at 82°F your bill will be reduced by 25%.

Ceiling fans are inexpensive to run and will allow you to raise the thermostat setting by 2 – 3 degrees F while feeling just as comfortable.

2.    Set your hot water heater temperature control back to “vacation”  when leaving the house for more than 24 hours.  If away for more than a week, turn the heater completely off.  Insulate all hot water pipes with low-cost foam tubing.

3.    Your electric clothes dryer is an energy guzzler.  In winter, rather than pumping the hot air exhaust outside, install an indoor vent (available from stores such as Canadian Tire or Walmart).  The warm moist air will humidify your home and reduce heating costs.

Alternatively, put up a clothes line in the basement.  Drying can be accelerated by employing a small fan, which costs only pennies to run.

4.    Install a low-flow shower head.  Over a year this can save an average family hundreds of gallons of hot water.

5.    Train everyone in the family to turn off televisions, computers, lights and appliances when not in use.

6.    Shade your home.  Deciduous trees provide shade in summer while allowing the sun to warm your house in winter.  Plant on the south and west sides but not too close to your home.  Pull down the blinds or close the drapes on hot summer days.  Similarly, closing the drapes on cold winter nights will save energy.

7.    Multiple outside floodlights are expensive and big energy consumers.  Consider controlling the circuit with a motion sensor which will turn the lights on for only a short period when a visitor or intruder enters the property.  Alternatively, high pressure sodium lights are now available and are far more energy efficient.

8.    Seal leaks around windows and doors.  The cracks and air leaks in the average Canadian home add up to a 14 cm² hole.

9.    Install compact energy efficient light bulbs.  They cost more initially but last ten times as long and use 75% less energy.

10.    When replacing appliances, use the Canada EnerGuide to help make your choice.  Today’s refrigerators use 75% less energy than similar models manufactured 15 years ago. Microwave and toaster ovens use far less energy than a range oven.

11.    When renovating your home, get expert advice on upgrading your insulation.  Having the correct material in the right quantities will pay for itself many times over in the following years.

12.    Service your furnace and replace the filter regularly to ensure a smooth air flow.