Lots of ways to save energy at home
In the kitchen it can be as easy as switching to the energy-saving dry cycle on your dishwasher or turning off lights and appliances when not in use. But, if you're willing to spend a little cash now to save a lot down the road, replace your old refrigerator with a modern energy-efficient model. Environment Canada recommends consumers use the EnerGuide Appliances Directory when purchasing any new appliances.
For year-round savings, turn your water heater down to 49 degrees Celsius [120 degrees Fahrenheit] and turn it off completely while on vacation. As well, install water-flow reducing attachments on both the kitchen and bathroom sink faucets.
Saving energy in the bathroom is also easy to accomplish and you can begin by simply turning off the tap when brushing your teeth. Your energy savings will grow even more though if you install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water use and waste. You should also regularly check for toilet leaks by putting a small amount of food colouring into the tank and observing how it spreads to the bowl before flushing.
Repair leaks promptly and look for EcoLogo certified plumbing products when you shop. The EcoLogo label certifies a product has been deemed environmentally friendly by the Canadian government.
Both cranking up the heat in the winter and chilling with the air conditioning in the summer use large amounts of energy. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can control the temperature in your home at night or when you're away. Also plant a few trees. Trees provide natural insulation for your home.
Terasen Gas suggests hiring a registered gas contractor to tune up your furnace as early in the fall as possible. While the inspector checks the furnace, get him to take a look at your home's natural gas piping.
Terasen Gas has also teamed up with FortisBC and BC Hydro to offer homeowners the new Energy Star heating system upgrade. Homeowners who upgrade before next March are eligible for a $250 credit on their gas bill. As well if the new furnace you install has a variable motor speed, you'll get an extra $50 credit. Energy Star appliances are also exempt from provincial sales tax, so you'll save another seven per cent on those purchases.
If you own a detached, semi-detached or low-rise multi-unit residential building, you may be eligible for a federal grant to be used for energy-saving home improvements. The ecoEnergy Retrofit grant pays up to $5,000. Projects such as installing new windows or basement insulation, and purchases like better air conditioners and hot water heaters, are also eligible for ecoENERGY grants.
According to the ecoENERGY website, many older homes create health problems and discomfort because of cold floors, cracks and gaps that let in pollen and allergens, chilly rooms that can cause sniffles, window condensation that supports mold growth and uncontrolled ventilation that can cause dryness and itchy skin in the winter. You can order an energy audit through ecoEnergy, which will pinpoint exactly where the problems in your home are. The audit costs $295, but the renovations completed, including the installation of new windows or insulation, could be covered by the grant.
There are many home improvements and renovations you can do to save energy in your home, but according to Environment Canada, if every Canadian household did nothing more than switch one 60-watt light bulb with a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb in a heavy use area, the collective savings in energy cost would be $63 million annually. As well, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be the equivalent of taking 66,000 cars off the road.
Sandra Thomas, Contributing writer, Vannet Newspapers
