With Albertans feeling the crunch of utilities, here are some easy tips to save this winter:
Get an Energy Audit: Save On Energy writes, "you can't save on energy unless you know how you're using it. Getting an energy audit is the best way to understand what upgrades you should be making and it helps to identify if your home is running efficiently and effectively." Some households may be eligible for a free audit, so get some quotes today to find out where your home is expending the most energy!
Add Property Insulation: "None of the changes you make on your roof will improve home energy efficiency unless you have a quality ventilation system. Make sure all areas in your house such as attics, basements and crawlspaces are properly insulated. This will help keep the cool or warm air inside, reduce your heating and cooling costs, and improve the overall comfort level in your home" (Budget Dumpster)
Get Smart Light Bulbs: Energy Rates writes, "although smart lights have some upfront costs to them, they’re one of the most readily available energy-efficient products people use in their homes. 12W LED bulbs cost just $1 per year in comparison to incandescent bulbs, which cost around $5 per year in energy costs. In the long term, they can save you money."
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: "A great way to save money in the long term is to upgrade older appliances such as fridges, washers and dryers to newer, energy-efficient models. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances. For example, a dryer with an ENERGY STAR label uses 20 per cent less energy than standard models. It often will also have built-in sensors to detect when your clothes are dry, saving you both energy and valuable time" (Save On Energy)
Replace Old Windows: Budget Dumpster writes, "if your current windows are more than two decades old, consider replacing them with more efficient models. If you aren’t in need of a full window replacement, storm windows are an easy, economical way to increase the efficiency of older, single-pane windows. When fully replacing your windows, consider buying double-paned models with a u-factor of .22 – .23. The lower the u-factor, the better a window insulates."
Adjust the Curtains: "Here’s one energy-efficient tip that’s easy and basically free: closing your curtains in the summer and opening them during the winter. If you’d like to be a little more involved, you could switch your current curtains for energy-efficient ones that prevent heat escape in the winter and block it from entering in the summer. This energy-efficient hack will probably reduce the load on your air conditioning or furnace. That’s right, your good old curtain could help you save money" (Energy Rates).
Get creative, YYC!
Posted by Ken Richter on
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