Energy

Reducing your energy use saves you money on your utility bill and benefits the environment by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

A number of incentive programs including rebates and tax credits are available to residents and businesses looking to reduce their energy use. These include:

• Clothes Washer
• Domestic Hot Water Heater
• Furnace/Boiler
• Insulation
• New Home Design

Lighting

• Replace your light bulbs with Energy Star certified compact fluorescent light bulbs. These use 75 per cent less energy and last ten times longer than an incandescent bulb.
• Turn off lights when leaving a room. Install motion-sensitive or solar powered lights outside instead of leaving your lights on all night.
• Use natural lighting when possible.

Appliances

• Don’t leave televisions, computers and other electronics on when not in use.
• Unplug electronics and kitchen appliances when not in use. When plugged in, these are still using electricity and costing you money. This is known as a phantom load.
• Purchase Energy Star  certified appliances.  

Other energy saving tips

• Have an energy-audit completed on your home.
• Install a programmable thermostat to better monitor the temperature in your home. Only use the furnace when it is necessary.
• Check your house for leaks to the outside. Ensure doors and windows are firmly sealed.
• Reduce your water use in general and hot water in particular. Hot water requires energy to heat it.
• Reduce the amount of waste you produce. Processing waste requires a lot of energy. Remember - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle!
• Consider leaving your vehicle at home and exploring other transportation options.

Visit Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency  for more energy saving tips!