Power Saving Tips and Rebates
Electricity powers our lives, but electricity can be dangerous and even kill.
Here are some safety tips from the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority that
every homeowner should know:
http://esasafe.com/GeneralPublic/est_001.php?s=16
Not only does conserving energy save you money it also helps to save the
environment. The Ontario Power Authority has lots of tips for saving energy
in the home as well as great incentive rebates. Please visit their site:
http://everykilowattcounts.ca/index.php
Find out about Natural Resources Canada's ecoENERGY Retrofit program and
other grant programs for Ontario homeowners:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement.cfm?attr=0
Learn how to receive grants of up to $10,000 through the Ontario home energy
retrofit program:
http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/conservation/?page=home-energy-
audit-and-retrofit-rebate-programs
Energy Saving Myths
Myth #1
"Switching lights on and off uses more energy than leaving them on.”
The switching process itself does not use extra energy. You save energy by
switching lights off even if you are leaving the room for a short period.
Myth #2
"Air out your house every day in the winter since fresh air is easier to
heat than stale air."
While you always need fresh air in your house, it is not easier to heat. By
opening your windows and doors, you let in cold air that has to be heated,
and let out air that is already warm. If you feel your house lacks proper
ventilation, open a window slightly, use bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans or
consider a more sophisticated ventilation system.
Myth #3
"I save energy by unplugging things like the toaster, blender, etc. when not
in use."
Most appliances that are switched off do not use electricity even when they
are plugged in. The exception is an appliance with an instant-on feature or
a built-in clock, which consumes electrical energy even if shut off.
Myth #4
"Keep your freezer in an unheated garage so that in the winter, spring and
fall, it doesn't have to work as hard."
Fluctuating temperatures are hard on your freezer's motor. It is actually
easier on the motor and compressor of your freezer if the temperature is
constant. The best location for a freezer is a basement where the
surrounding air is cool.
Myth #5
"Air conditioners are costly to operate."
Air conditioners are actually more efficient than you may think. Air
conditioners also filter and dehumidify air. It is important to match the
unit power with the size of the room. Look for Energy Efficiency Rating
(EER). The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit is.
Myth #6
"Showers use less water than baths."
This depends on how long you like to shower and whether or not you have an
energy-efficient shower head. To find out which uses more water for you, try
a simple test. The next time you shower, plug the drain and let the water
stay in the tub. At the end of your normal shower, check the water level. Is
there more or less water than you use for a bath?
Myth #7
"Use plastic deflectors where ducts are beneath windows to direct heat."
This doesn't save any energy and can make the room less comfortable. Warm
air registers are placed under windows to combat the cold air coming from
the window. If air deflectors are used, they may create drafts by deflecting
the warm air out and away from cold air at the window.
Myth #8
"Keeping your thermostat at the same level all winter is more energy
efficient. Changing it frequently uses more energy."
If you turn down your heat when you go to bed and turn it up again in the
morning, you will save money and energy. However, if you are only leaving
the house on a short errand, it's probably best to not turn your thermostat
down.
Myth #9
"When getting up at night, use a flashlight to avoid flicking the lights on
and off and use battery-operated clocks and radios."
The cost of light from a flashlight is very expensive compared to
electricity. It takes energy to make a battery and the amount of energy in
the battery is very limited. Batteries lose their charge even when not being
used. In addition, when you discard them, they can be an environmental
hazard because they contain small amounts of mercury which can get into the
ground.
Myth #10
"I turn off my electric hot water heater when I go away for the weekend (or
overnight) to save money."
Turning your water heater off results in very little energy savings.
Electric water heaters are well insulated so that they retain heat for a
long time.