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Energy Conservation Handbook

Energy Conservation Handbook

ENERGY CONSERVATION HANDBOOK

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to a greener world 4 Using this booklet 5 Waterloo North Hydro’s Conservation Programs 5 What on earth is a kilowatt hour (kWh)? 6 The skinny on smart meters 7 Top ten (fastest, easiest, and best ever) money-saving tips 8 Over 100 really, really great ways to conserve and save money 10 Appliances 11 Computers and audio visual equipment 14 In and around the house 15 Apartment/townhouse/condominium 16 At 17 While on vacation 18 18 conservation 19

Earning your energy-saving degree: the advanced environmentalist Alternative energy 20 Lawns and gardens 21 and composting 22 Food 23 Transportation 24

Electrical Safety Tips 25 Season-by-Season Energy Conservation Checklist Spring 32 Summer 33 Fall 34 Winter 35 2 3 USING THIS BOOKLET Reducing energy use and The hundreds of tips contained in this booklet have been compiled lowering your energy bills from a variety of reliable sources is important to us all. and are intended as a general guide. Whenever you undertake a major This booklet was designed to project to reduce your energy use, provide you with a handy, easy to always do your homework before follow guide to saving energy year- you begin, including seeking help or round at home or work. We’ve advice from a reputable contractor given you ideas on what to do both or Waterloo North Hydro. Please inside and outside your home, and note that the energy savings listed WELCOME TO A included a season-by-season guide. with the tips in this booklet are estimates only and results will vary. A number of tips, such as using energy efficient lighting, have been If you have any questions, look at the GREENERWORLD listed repeatedly throughout the back of the booklet for information on booklet. That’s because they are how to contact us. We’re here to help. among the best ways to reduce your THE ENVIRONMENT energy costs and play a key role no matter which subject area you The air we breathe, the water we drink, impact we have on the planet. We must would like to concentrate on. the food we eat, and the energy we make wise choices about the food we consume are our most precious and eat, the vehicles we drive, how we limited resources. our homes, and how we use .

That’s why it’s so important that we all do whatever we can to reduce the WATERLOO NORTH HYDRO’S SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE It may not seem like it, but every effort efforts are combined, it has a huge CONSERVATION PROGRAMS you make to reduce your energy use, impact on the environment – and that’s Waterloo North Hydro offers a full suite of conservation programs for its no matter how big or small, does make good for everyone. residential, commercial, institutional and industrial customers. a difference. When all of our individual To find out more, visit our website at wnhydro.com.

4 5 THE SKINNY ON WHAT ON EARTH IS A KILOWATT HOUR? SMART METERS Today, every home and small in is equipped with a smart meter, providing consumers with an important tool to help manage their electricity use.

Smart meters measure how much A smart meter has a number of significant energy you use on an hourly basis and benefits for consumers: what time of day you used it. Your r " TNBSU NFUFS BVUPNBUJDBMMZ SFDPSET electricity bill will show how much your hour-by-hour consumption and electricity was used within each time- securely sends the information to of-use (TOU) period. Waterloo North Hydro wirelessly. Time-of-use billing divides You get a precise measurement a consumer’s electricity of your electricity use to help Good question! into three different time you take action to conserve periods: on-peak, mid-peak energy during periods of Most people don’t know exactly what and off-peak. Each time peak demand in your home. a kilowatt hour (kWh) is. A kWh is a period has a corresponding r:PVDBOSFEVDFZPVSFOFSHZ unit of measure which represents the rate that is charged for electricity costs by shifting some electricity amount of electricity consumed or used used during that time. On-peak periods, usage to periods when the TOU rates over a period of time. One kWh is equal which usually occur during business are lower. For example you could to 1,000 watt hours or equivalent to hours Monday through Friday, will simply: do laundry on weekends, turn leaving ten 100 watt bulbs turned on for have the highest rate. Mid-peak periods, the dishwasher on during off-peak one hour. usually fall just before and just after on- hours, and set the air conditioning peak periods Monday through Friday, to shut off or to come on at a higher have a slightly lower rate than on-peak. temperature when you are not at Off-peak periods, have the lowest home during the day. rate and are in effect during evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. The More information on smart meters, TOU periods and rates vary by season. including money and energy saving tips, is available on Waterloo North Hydro’s TURNED ON FOR ONE HOUR Please visit Waterloo North Hydro’s = 1 kWh website at www.wnhydro.com for the website (www.wnhydro.com), from most up-to-date information. the Ministry of Energy’s smart meter website (www.smartmetersontario.ca) and from the Ontario Energy Board (www.oeb.gov.on.ca).

6 7 This booklet contains Look for the ® Install Insulation hundreds of ways you 5 Label 7 You can save energy and money by ENERGY STAR® is an international can reduce your energy increasing the amount of insulation in symbol that identifies many energy efficient your home, to keep it warmer in the winter products. The ENERGY STAR® symbol TOP TEN use – but these top and cooler in the summer. The attic and helps and consumers identify FASTEST, EASIEST, AND BEST EVER basement are good places to start, because 10 tips are a great way products that are at the “top of their class” in those areas represent as much as 15% - 30% terms of energy efficiency. MONEY-SAVING TIPS to get started: of your home’s overall heating and cooling losses. Upgrading insulation levels is one of the smartest energy saving investments you Use CFL or LED Bulbs can make. 1 Use Motion Sensor One compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) or light emitting diode (LED) can 10 8 Switches and Timers save you three times its purchase cost in To avoid leaving your outside lights on for electricity. CFLs last up to 10 times longer 7 long periods of time, install a motion sensor than incandescent bulbs and can use up that turns the lights on automatically when to 75% less electricity. You can replace an 9 someone approaches the house and then incandescent 100W light bulb with an 18W 1 turns the lights off after a pre-set period – 23W compact fluorescent and still get the of time. Install timers on selected lights to same amount of light. avoid leaving lights on around the clock and to make your home look occupied when you Install a Programmable are away. 2 2 During the heating season, set your Rely on Your Fans to automatically 9 lower the heat by a few degrees at night Use fans instead of air or when you are away. If you have 8 conditioning when possible. air conditioning, you can use your Ceiling and portable fans programmable thermostat during the cooling cost pennies to operate season to automatically turn it off or increase and can lower the the temperature when you are not at home. 6 temperature in the room by Your energy savings will easily pay for up to 2°C. the cost of the thermostat in the first year. 3 4 5

Replace Your Use LED Seasonal Lighting 10 3a Old Refrigerator Using LED lights both inside and outside or Freezer your home, during the holiday season, is a great way to conserve energy and save Refrigerators and freezers are two of the money. LED lights use up to 95% less biggest electricity users in your home – these energy and last at least seven times longer old, inefficient appliances can cost well over Wash Your Laundry than regular lights. There are no filaments or $10/month in electricity. When purchasing 4 in Cold Water Eliminate Drafts in glass bulbs to break, and they produce very a new one, be sure to check the EnerGuide Your Home little heat. label and look for the ENERGY STAR® You can save energy and money by washing 6 symbol so you are certain of energy savings all of your laundry in cold water. If you Air leakage around windows, , vents Seasonal LED bulbs come in a variety of when making your buying decision. currently both wash and rinse in warm and electrical outlets can account for as shapes and colours. water, and you switch entirely to cold, you much as 25% of your total heating costs. could save over $14 a month (based on Get Rid of Your Second That means there are significant savings electric ). There are many available if you caulk and weather-strip 3b Refrigerator laundry detergents designed specifically for windows, doors, dryer and other vents, and cold water washing. It may be convenient having an extra install insulated plates on electrical outlets. refrigerator, but those cold beverages are costing you every day…up to $125 per year. 8 9 APPLIANCES It’s estimated that over 45% of the electricity consumed in an average home is used OVER 100 REALLY, by the six major appliances – refrigerator, freezer, electric stove/oven, dishwasher, and washer. If you are shopping for a new major appliance, be sure to consider the cost of energy REALLY GREAT WAYS to run it. That cost can represent thousands of dollars over the life of the appliance, so it’s important to choose appliances that are as energy-efficient as possible. While TO CONSERVE ENERGY AND these appliances may cost a bit more up front, you will save money over the long run. Look for the EnerGuide label: EnerGuide is a Government of Canada program designed to give consumers information on the SAVE MONEY. energy-efficiency of household appliances on the market. The EnerGuide label will tell you the amount of electricity in kilowatt LIGHTING hours (kWh) that the appliance is expected to use in one full year, and shows where On average, lighting in your home represents 17% of your the model you are considering ranks in comparison to appliances of similar size and total monthly energy costs. Over the course of a year the type. Simply having an EnerGuide label does not mean an appliance is efficient, you savings will add up if you look very closely at how you are must read the label to see how it compares to others in its class. lighting each room, including the fixtures or lamps being Look for the ENERGY STAR® label: ENERGY STAR® is an used and the type of bulbs. The easiest way to conserve international symbol that identifies energy efficient products. energy is to simply remember to turn lights off when not in use. The ENERGY STAR® symbol helps businesses and consumers ENERGY SAVING TIPS: identify products that are at the “top of their class” in terms of energy efficiency. Only the best EnerGuide rated appliances r 3FQMBDFZPVSJODBOEFTDFOUMJHIUCVMCTXJUI r "WPJEVTJOHNVMUJQMFMJHIUėYUVSFT'PVS also get the ENERGY STAR label ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light 25W light bulbs give off only 2/3 of the light bulbs (CFLs). They last up to 10 times of one 100W bulb yet use the same 100W longer and can use up to 75% less electricity. of energy. REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS r $PNQBSFEUPJODBOEFTDFOU IBMPHFOCVMCT r 3FQMBDFTUBOEBSEPOPĎTXJUDIFTXJUI r *UNBZCFDPOWFOJFOUIBWJOHBOFYUSB r 7BDVVNBOZEVTUPĎZPVSSFGSJHFSBUPST are more expensive to purchase, but they dimmer switches. They reduce light level, refrigerator, but old, inefficient refrigerators coils (back) and air intake grill (below the produce a whiter light, last 2 to 4 times save energy and extend bulb life (special can cost over $10 a month in electricity doors) every 3 months. longer, and use about 40% less energy to dimmable CFLs are now available). to operate. So there is substantial energy produce the same light. Halogens are a good r ĉFUFNQFSBUVSFPGZPVSGSFF[FSTIPVME r *OTUBMMUJNFSTPOTFMFDUFEMJHIUTUPNBLFZPVS savings available by getting rid of an old replacement for outdoor flood be at -18°C. It will use almost 2% more home look occupied when you are away and second refrigerator (same applies to old and spotlights. electricity for each degree below -18°C. avoid leaving lights on around the clock. freezers too). r #FBXBSFUIBUJODBOEFTDFOUCVMCTLOPXOBT r 'SFF[FSTBSFNPTUFđDJFOUXIFOUIFZBSF r -JHIUFNJĨJOHEJPEF -&% MJHIUCVMCTBSF r ĉFUFNQFSBUVSFJOZPVSSFGSJHFSBUPSTIPVME “long-life” or “extended life” do last a long GVMM CVUOPUPWFSMPBEFE,FFQUIFNXFMM the newest technology on the market. They be between 2°C and 5°C. time but give 30% less light while using the defrosted. Regularly vacuum up the dust on offer an effective and efficient alternative to same amount of energy. r ĉFSFGSJHFSBUPSTIPVMECFGVMMCVUOPU the back and underneath your freezer. CFLs, halogens, and incandescent bulbs. overloaded because it needs air circulation r "GBVMUZEPPSTFBMDBODPTUZPVIVOESFETPG to operate efficiently. kilowatt-hours in electricity a year. Test the r ,FFQBTQBDFPGBUMFBTUėWFDFOUJNFUSFT seal on a regular basis by closing the fridge all around your refrigerator and freezer so over a piece of paper. If you can pull heat will be able to move away from the the paper out easily, the door seal needs to compressor and condensing coil. be fixed or replaced.

LightingL represents a big part of your monthly energy costs. TurningT off lights and replacing old bulbs with energy efficient 10 optionso is an easy way to save energy. 11 STOVES

r 5VSOUIFPWFOPĎBGFXNJOVUFTCFGPSFUIF that blows air around inside the oven. This r 4PSUDMPUIFTJOUPIFBWZ NFEJVNBOE r $MFBOUIFMJOUėMUFSBěFSFWFSZMPBECFDBVTF cooking time is over. The remaining heat method means shorter cooking times at lightweight loads. a clogged lint filter will finish the job. lower temperatures. The lighter loads can increase energy will dry faster use by up to 30%. r "CPVUPGBOPWFOTIFBUJTMPTUXIFO r 4FMGDMFBOJOHSBOHFTBSFNPSFFOFSHZ than mixed loads. you open the door, so make use of the efficient than regular models because they r $IFDLUIFESZFS stove’s window to check cooking progress. have more oven insulation. Use the self- r #FGPSFQVĨJOH vent regularly to cleaning feature right after cooking when heavier, thicker ensure there is no r *UJTPOMZOFDFTTBSZUPQSFIFBUZPVSPWFO the oven is already hot. items in the dryer, debris restricting when baking and then only for about give them an the air from 7 minutes. r "OFMFDUSJDLFĨMFVTFTIBMGUIFFOFSHZ extra spin in the being exhausted required to boil water compared to using a r .JDSPXBWFPWFOT UPBTUFSPWFOT BOETMPX washer to remove outdoors. stove element. cookers use less energy than electric stoves moisture. r If you are purchasing for cooking small amounts of food. r 6TFUIFTUPWFUPQFMFNFOUUIBUNBUDIFTUIF r %PDPOTFDVUJWF a new dryer, look size of the pot or pan you are using and use r 4UPWFTXJUIUIFDPOWFDUJPOGFBUVSFDBOCF loads to take for a model with a lids that fit snugly. an energy saver. They still require a heating advantage of the temperature sensor element, but they also incorporate a fan retained heat in that shuts the dryer the dryer. off when it senses that the clothes are dry. MICROWAVES r ĉFSFBSFNBOZUBTLTB r 5PFOTVSFUIFNJDSPXBWF DISHWASHERS microwave can do better, operates efficiently, leave faster and with less energy sufficient space at the top, r "QQSPYJNBUFMZPGIPVTFIPMEXBUFS r $IPPTFBEJTIXBTIFSXJUIBEFMBZFETUBSU than the stove, such as side and back for the air is used for washing dishes and running feature, so you can wash dishes during off- cooking smaller portions vents. dishwashers. Wait until the dishwasher is peak (less expensive) hours. of food. Microwaves use up to full before you wash. r $MFBOUIFNJDSPXBWFPO r "CPVUPGBEJTIXBTIFSTFMFDUSJDJUZJT 50% less energy than a r .JDSPXBWFTEPOPUSFRVJSF a regular basis and make r -FTTFOFSHZJTVTFEJGUIFESZJOHDZDMFJT used to heat the water so use a short-cycle preheating, which saves a lot conventional oven. sure the door seals are in eliminated. Look for an energy-saver switch or econowash feature. of energy. good condition. that turns off the heating element allowing r 5PFOTVSFUIFEJTIXBTIFSJTXPSLJOH the dishes to air dry. r #FDBVTFDPPLJOHXJUIBNJDSPXBWFXPOU r 'PSMBSHFRVBOUJUJFTPGMJRVJET MJLFTPVQT efficiently, clean the drains and filters on a heat up your kitchen, it will reduce the or stews, the stovetop element is twice as regular basis. amount of air conditioning you will need efficient as the microwave. on hot summer days. WATER HEATER CLOTHES WASHERS AND DRYERS The water heater is the second largest energy user in your home and accounts for approximately 11% of an average energy bill. r "IJHIFđDJFODZGSPOUMPBEDMPUIFTXBTIFS r $IPPTFBXBTIFSESZFSXJUIBEFMBZFETUBSU can use as much as 50% less energy and 35 feature, so you can do your laundry during r *GQVSDIBTJOHBOFXXBUFSIFBUFS PSBSSBOHJOH r )BWFZPVSUBOLTFSWJDFEPOBSFHVMBSCBTJT – 50% less water per load than the average off-peak (less expensive) hours. a rental, look for a highly insulated tank, for by a qualified technician to ensure its conventional model. natural gas hot water tanks, look for a high operating efficiently. r 8BTIGVMMMPBETĉFTBNFBNPVOUPGFOFSHZ efficiency rating r 8BTIZPVSMBVOESZJODPMEXBUFS*GZPVSF is needed for a full load as a single item. r *OTUBMMJOHBTQFDJBMUBOLKBDLFUPWFS currently washing and rinsing in warm r 8SBQUIFIPUXBUFSQJQFTXJUIQJQF an electric water heater can reduce its r %SZGVMMMPBETJOZPVSESZFS CVUEPOU water and you switch entirely to cold, you insulation. It will reduce the conduction electricity use. overload because it makes the dryer work could save over $14 a month, based on of heat through the pipes and allow you to longer and wastes energy. electric water heating. The vast majority of lower the temperature of the tank which energy used for washing clothes is to heat r 6TFBDMPUIFTMJOFUPESZZPVSDMPUIFTJOTUFBE results in energy savings. the water. of a dryer and reduce your electricity costs.

12 13 COMPUTERS AND AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE If you think about all of the audio-visual equipment around your home it’s easy There are many more ways (in addition to what has already been mentioned) to to see why the by televisions, home theatre systems, sound make the most efficient use of energy both inside and outside your home. Here are TZTUFNT HBNFQMBZFST %7%BOE#MVSBZNBDIJOFT DPNQVUFSTBOEQSJOUFSTBMM some of the most effective ones: have an impact on your overall energy costs. r Have a home done by a r If you can afford it, upgrade the windows r ĉFCFTUXBZUPSFEVDFUIFFOFSHZVTFE r -BQUPQDPNQVUFSTVTFTVCTUBOUJBMMZMFTT licensed energy auditor which will provide in your home with ENERGY STAR® by the entertainment and computer energy than standard desktop computers. you with a detailed action plan and related high-efficiency windows. equipment in your home is to turn them off costs to help make your home as energy r 5VSOCPUIZPVSDPNQVUFSBOENPOJUPSPĎ  r In the summer, keep your curtains closed to when they are not in use. efficient as possible. when not in use. The block the summer heat out. In the winter, But remember that most of screen-saver doesn’t save r Plant trees. Mature deciduous trees open them on sunny days to the equipment continues energy. It’s estimated (leafy ones) on the south and west take advantage of solar heat. to draw even when side of your home will help lower that a continuously running r Have your furnace and switched off because the temperature during the computer and monitor central air conditioner they go into “standby” summer months. Use could cost approximately serviced by a qualified mode. As much as 20% coniferous trees (ones $250 per year. technician every year of the electricity used by without leaves) on electronic equipment is to ensure it’s Many electronic r*GZPVEPOUXBOUUPUVSO the north and lost while they are sitting in your computer off then working devices left plugged in, east sides to the “standby” mode. make sure the “sleep” mode efficiently. even when turned off, protect your is enabled which cuts r :PVS57 %7%BOE#MVSBZ still draw power. This home from r Fireplaces and energy use to less than half. player, game console, cable/ is known as “phantom winter’s cold winds. wood burning stoves can Be sure to at least shut off reduce your home HD/satellite box, and power” (or standby r Only use energy the monitor because it uses heating costs, but care audio system(s) represent power) and it can efficient-rated 60% of the power used by must be taken to ensure approximately 60% of the account for up to 15% appliances, a computer! they are installed and standby electricity losses in of the device’s energy electronics and tools. used properly. Ensure your home. while turned off. r4J[FEPFTNBĨFSUIF Where possible look that your fireplace or bigger the monitor, the for the ENERGY r *OPSEFSUPTBWFUIFFOFSHZ wood stove, when not in use, isn’t allowing more energy it consumes. STAR® label. used in the “standby” a draft into the house. Even a closed mode, turn off the source r Install lights with motion sensors at the damper lets a small amount of air into the of the electricity that powers the unit, front and back of the house for security house, so you may want to consider inserts unless retaining a memory, timer or clock and so the outside lights will only go on or glass doors. Don’t burn green, wet, JTJNQPSUBOU,FFQUIFPOPĎTXJUDIFTUP when required. pressure-treated, or painted wood, or power bars accessible so the equipment particleboard, plywood or cardboard. can be shut off when not in use. Or you can r Consider installing an on-demand hot install on-off timers. water heater r If you have a pool and/or hot tub, install a timer so the pump runs only during off-peak r Use for outside lighting needs, hours. Use a combination of a solar heat and including ponds and fountains, sidewalks solar blanket to keep the water warm. and patios, and storage sheds. Consider installing solar panels to help offset lighting r Recommended indoor heating temperatures and heating costs inside your home. are 20°C (68°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night. For cooling, they are 25°C r Make sure all exterior walls, ceilings and (77°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) attics are insulated to meet or exceed at night. government standards. There are a number of different types of insulation available on the market, including batt, blown, and spray foam. Each offers unique benefits, so shop around for the solution that best fits your needs.

14 15 APARTMENT / TOWNHOUSE / CONDOMINIUM AT WORK If you rent or lease your living space, you may be responsible for the utility costs. Does your place of work have someone who is responsible for energy If so, many of the tips throughout this booklet will be helpful in reducing your conservation? Is there an energy conservation team or committee? If not, suggest monthly expenses. Even if utility costs are included in your rent, doing whatever it and perhaps volunteer to help out. Offices, industries and businesses require a you can to save energy is good for the environment and helps lower your property lot of energy to operate and it’s important that everyone, no matter what position owner’s overall costs, which ultimately impacts on the rental rates charged. Talk they hold, do their part to conserve energy, particularly during periods of peak to your fellow tenants and the property manager about how everyone can work demand. Here are some general tips for the workplace: together to reap the benefits of energy conservation. r 5BLFQVCMJDUSBOTJUPSDBSQPPMUPXPSL r .BOZCVTJOFTTFTTUJMMVTFBMPUPGQBQFS Here are some tips to keep in mind: unnecessarily, so a lot of energy can r 8IFOFWFSQPTTJCMF VTFUIFTUBJSTJOTUFBEPG be saved if everyone prints what’s only r 5VSOPĎMJHIUTXIFOOPUJOVTFBOE remove the unit and close the window, use the elevator. You would be doing your part to required. Use recycled paper. Print double- replace incandescent light bulbs with an outdoor air conditioner cover. If you save energy and exercising at the same time! sided whenever possible. compact fluorescents. can’t safely reach the outside of your unit, r 5VSOPĎUIFMJHIUTXIFOBOBSFBJTOPMPOHFS use an indoor cover. During the summer, r 3FDZDMFXIBUFWFSZPVDBO*GUIFSFTOP r .BLFTVSFUIFSFBSFHPPEDVSUBJOTBOE in use, such as a meeting room. Turn off all use a fan instead of an air conditioner recycling container in your work area or shades on the windows that can be used to unnecessary lights when you leave for the day. whenever possible. office, the copy room, cafeteria or break reduce or block sunlight and heat during r 6OMFTTUIFZBSFSFRVJSFEUPTUBZPO UVSO rooms, ask for one. If your workplace the summer, and keep the heat in during r "LJUDIFOFYIBVTUGBOBMMPXTXBSNBJSUP off office equipment such as computers, doesn’t have a recycling program, suggest it the winter. escape, so if your unit has one, use a cover monitors, printers and fax machines when and perhaps volunteer to get it started. when the exhaust is not in use. r *GZPVSBQBSUNFOUPSUPXOIPVTFIBTB not in use and during weekends. Make sure r .BLFTVSFUIFDPĎFFNBDIJOFTBSFUVSOFE thermostat that allows you to control r *UNBZCFEJđDVMUUPEPJGZPVMJWFJOBTNBMM the “sleep” mode is enabled on computer off at the end of the workday. Get your own the heat in your unit, it provides a great unit, but if possible arrange the furniture monitors so they will power down when mug, plate and utensils and re-use them opportunity to conserve energy. Consider so that it’s not blocking or obstructing heat not used for a pre-set period of time. instead of using disposable cups and plastic talking to the property manager about vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters. If Remember: the screen saver does not knives, forks and spoons. installing a programmable thermostat. forced air enters your apartment through save energy. If the type of heating in your unit leaves a register that has to be under a piece of r *GZPVBSFJOWPMWFEPSIBWFBOZJOQVUJOUP the air very dry, use a humidifier because furniture because of space restrictions or purchasing new equipment, encourage properly humidified air feels warmer and required layout, attach an air deflector to purchases of ENERGY STAR® rated allows you to turn your thermostat down. the vent to direct the air where you need it. equipment. r *GZPVSVOJUIBTSBEJBUPST LFFQUIFN r *GZPVBSFSFOUJOH QBZJOHGPSVUJMJUJFT BOE clean because dirt and dust absorb heat. don’t own the appliances, check how old Radiator covers should be removed when they are. Older stoves and refrigerators can radiators are in use because the covers use up to twice the power of newer, energy- absorb heat and block the flow of air efficient models. Talk to the property through the radiator. manager to see if newer appliances can be installed. r $IFDLUIFXJOEPXTBOEUIFPVUTJEFEPPS to your unit to make sure they’re draft proofed. If the windows are not properly weatherproofed, talk to the property manager to see if you can work together on a solution that saves energy and reduces heating and cooling costs. r 8JOEPXBOEXBMMNPVOUFEBJS conditioners, if not properly sealed, let in outdoor air during the winter. If you can’t

16 17 r ,FFQBKVHPSCPĨMFPGESJOLJOHXBUFSJOUIF of water a week to send matter down the WHILE ON VACATION fridge instead of running the tap until the drain. Compost as much kitchen waste as water gets cold. possible, either by putting it in a backyard It’s holiday time and while it’s nice to get away, it would also be nice to be able to compost unit or by putting it out for organic r *OTUBMMMPXĚPXTIPXFSIFBETBOESFEVDF save some money on the energy bill when no one is home. Here are some tips collection, if available in your area. to help you reduce energy use when you are going to be away from home for an your shower time. If you shorten your shower time from 10 to 5 minutes or less r 8BTIJOHNBDIJOFTVTFBOZXIFSFCFUXFFO extended period of time: while using a low-flow showerhead, you 100 to 200 litres of water per load. Always could save as much as 40 litres of water each use the washing machine at full capacity. If r ĉFSFGSJHFSBUPSJTUIFMBSHFTUVTFSPG r $IFDLUIFJOTUSVDUJPOTGPSZPVSXBUFSIFBUFS time you shower. your machine has a “suds-saver” feature, use electricity in both vacant and occupied because some units have a “vacation” setting. it because it reuses the clean rinse for the homes. If you have a second, older r 8IFOXBTIJOH TIBWJOHPSCSVTIJOHZPVS r "MMPGUIFFMFDUSPOJDTBOEBQQMJBODFTJO next load. refrigerator you should consider getting rid teeth, don’t run the water continuously. ZPVSIPNF FH57 %7%QMBZFS DPNQVUFS  r %JTIXBTIFSTVTFMBSHFWPMVNFTPGXBUFS  of it because it could be costing as much r 3BJOCBSSFMTDBOCFVTFEUPDPMMFDUBOETUPSF coffee maker, battery charger) draw a small, about 60 litres of water per load, so always as $10 a month to run. If not, empty and rainwater from your rooftop, which can be constant amount of electricity, even when operate the dishwasher at full capacity or set unplug it while you’re away. used later for watering plants and gardens. they are turned off. Unplug as many as the water level to match the size of the load. r 6TFUJNFSTPOWBSJPVTMJHIUT TFUUPEJĎFSFOU you can. r 3FEVDFUIFVTFPGUIFTJOLHBSCBHFEJTQPTBM on/off times, for both security and to r *GZPVIBWFBQPPMPSBIPUUVC NBLFTVSF because it consumes hundreds of litres avoid leaving lights on around the clock. they are covered and there are timers on If an internal light must be kept on all the the pumps. time while you are away, use a compact Teach your kids about saving energy at fluorescent or LED bulb. Install motion r 8IJMFBXBZPOWBDBUJPO EPOUGPSHFUUP http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/calendar-club/activity/17105 sensors at the front and rear of your home take your energy conservation habits with Kid Power! PSWJTJU&DP,JETBUwww.ecokids.ca for security. you. If everyone does their part, no matter where they are, it all adds up. r *GZPVSFBXBZEVSJOHUIFXJOUFS QSPHSBN the thermostat to hold at 16-18°C (60- 64°F). In the summer, turn off the air NATURAL GAS CONSERVATION conditioner or set it at 28°C (82°F) There are many ways to reduce the amountof natural gas you use. In most cases, the ways you would reduce standard energy use, such as installing a programmable thermostat, eliminating air leaks and installing insulation will reduce natural gas as WATER CONSERVATION well. Here are a few more ways you can save: Conserving electricity is very important, but reducing your water use is also a r $POTJEFSSFQMBDJOHZPVSPMEHBTGVSOBDFBOE r 8SBQIFBUJOHBOEDPPMJOHEVDUTXJUI good way to do your part for the environment. If you properly manage your water hot water tank with an ENERGY STAR® duct wrap. use it will help lower your overall household costs. rated one. r .BLFTVSFZPVSUIFSNPTUBU r $IFDLFWFSZGBVDFUDBSFGVMMZUPNBLFTVSF can save up to 80,000 litres of water a year, r :PVSGVSOBDFOFFETUPACSFBUIF,FFQUIF is in a “neutral” location it is not leaking. A dripping faucet could which is a 20% reduction in household door open to the furnace room and make away from drafts or leak as much as 100 litres of water over a consumption. There are high efficiency sure walls, boxes and other direct sunlight. objects are well away from 24 hour period, or 3,000 litres a month. It’s models that will save even more. If you can’t r 5VSOEPXOUIFIFBU5SZ the furnace so that airflow is been estimated that one leaky tap could afford a new toilet, a toilet dam or water setting the thermostat to not restricted. waste enough water in one year to fill two displacement device will help reduce the 20°C during the day and swimming pools! amount of water used with each flush. r 5VSOEPXOUIFUFNQFSBUVSF 18°C at night. on your water heater. The r $IFDLGPSMFBLTJOZPVSUPJMFUUBOL1VU r 6TFBOBFSBUPSBOEPSBXBUFSĚPXSFEVDFS r,FFQWFOUTBOEBJSSFUVSOT ideal temperature for your some food colouring in the tank. If, without in your sink faucet. free from obstructions. flushing, colour appears in the bowl, water heater is 54°C. r 8IFOIBOEXBTIJOHUIFEJTIFT PS Change your furnacefurnace’s’s Furniture, dust and pet you have a leak that should be repaired hair will reduce airflow and vegetables, don’t run the water continuously. r *GZPVIBWFBXPPECVSOJOH air filter every 2 -3 immediately. A silent toilet leak can waste up fireplace, close the damper the effectiveness of your Wash in a partially filled sink and then rinse months in order for it to 45L/hr. when the fireplace is not furnace. under the tap or use the spray attachment. to run efficiently r ĉFUPJMFUVTFTBMPUPGXBUFS6TJOHBMPX being used. flow, 6 litre per flush model, a family of four

18 19 LAWNS AND GARDENS One of the key ways we can do our part to help the environment and reduce energy use is how we care for our lawns and gardens:

r "WPJEXBUFSJOHZPVSMBXO6TJOHQPUBCMF r 6TFBMPXĚPXOP[[MFPOZPVSHBSEFOIPTF EARNING YOUR water for this purpose is an enormous r *GZPVSFEPJOHTPNFMBOETDBQJOH VTF waste. If you absolutely must water your drought-tolerant plants, flowers and mulch lawn, do it in the early morning. Watering to hold in moisture. If you cover your ENERGY-SAVING DEGREE: during the day is very ineffective since garden soil with mulch, such as woodchips, almost all of the water will simply evaporate you will prevent the majority of the before entering the lawn. Watering in the moisture being lost to evaporation. THE ADVANCED evening is slightly better than during the day, however, the grass blades get most of r 6TFUIFNBUFSJBMGSPNBCBDLZBSE the water, instead of the soil. composter on lawns and in the garden. Many municipalities r %VSJOHUIFTVNNFS ZPVS ENVIRONMENTALIST offer free compost. lawn only needs 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water every r6TFPSHBOJDMBXOGFSUJMJ[FST week. Use a tuna can or and make sure you follow the rain gauge to measure manufacturer’s directions on how much you are how to use. Many experts say ALTERNATIVE ENERGY receiving. organic maintenance involves three tasks: aerating, top Why not use a natural source to help reduce your energy use? As the options for r %POUDVUZPVSHSBTTUPP Get a rain barrel made dressing and fertilizing. alternative ways to power and heat homes grows in popularity, so too does the short because the roots of recycled plastic and amount of information, research and products available to consumers who are will have to work harder place it under the eaves- r.BOZNVOJDJQBMJUJFTIBWF trough or downspout to considering using the technology. and you will have to banned the cosmetic use water more frequently. collect rainwater for use of pesticides. There are Your lawn will be in the garden organic pest control SOLAR healthier if the grass is products available or you There is a wide variety of solar-powered products on the market for use in and not cut lower than 7 – 8 can consult with a lawn around the house. Solar lights can be used along driveways, sidewalks and cms (approximately 3 inches). care specialist who provides gardens. They will light up the patio area and the backyard shed. You can also Leave the grass clippings on the lawn for organic solutions. added nutrients. use a combination of a solar heater and a solar blanket to keep the water in the r ĉFZSFOPUGPSFWFSZPOF CVUVTJOHPOF swimming pool warm. In addition, solar power can be used to pre-heat your r 8IFOSFTFFEJOHZPVSMBXO BEEDMPWFS of the new style push mowers to cut your home’s hot water. seeds to the mix. Clover is draught tolerant lawn means no gas fume and and very low maintenance. no electricity use. If not, consider using a GEO-THERMAL HEATING cordless lawn mower and trimmer. Geo-thermal heating allows you to heat and cool your home from an energy source you already own: your own land or water. It’s a efficient, cost effective and environmentally-friendly way to control your temperature year-round and reduce energy use. GET ON YOUR BIKE Try leaving your car in the driveway for just one trip a week. Walking or taking your bike is a fast, easy way to get around town – and it’s good for you, too. You’ll also save a lot on gas and auto maintenance.

20 21 RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING FOOD The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – are more important now than ever The food we eat, whether at home or away, takes energy to produce and to before as we all work together to conserve our dwindling natural resources, reduce package, and has a significant impact on the environment. There are things you our demand for energy produced by environmentally harmful technologies, and can do to help lessen that impact. reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. There is ongoing research into waste conversion technologies, but ultimately not producing waste is the best bet r "MBSHFBNPVOUPGDPOTVNFSGPPE r )FMQUPLFFQPVSPDFBOTIFBMUIZCZ for the environment: packaging is still not being recycled. Don’t choosing seafood that is green-listed “Best simply throw a food package into the $IPJDFuCZ$BOBEBT4FBGPPE(VJEF7JTJU r 4VQQPSUZPVSMPDBMXBTUFNBOBHFNFOU r %JEZPVLOPXNPTUCBUISPPNXBTUFJT garbage. Check and see if it can go in the www.seachoice.org for more information. program by fully participating in available considered organic waste? Add a green bin recycling container. While shopping, check curbside collection, whether it’s blue box, in your bathroom. the package to ensure grey box or green bin pickup. You will see it’s made from r #FBXBSFPGZPVSSPMFJOQSPEVDJOHF8BTUF a substantial reduction in the amount of recycled materials. eWaste is the term for the overwhelming garbage you put out every week headed for BNPVOUPG57T DPNQVUFST QSJOUFST  r $BSFGVMMZSFBEUIFMBCFMPGBMM the landfill. The Region of Waterloo will cell phones, entertainment equipment packaged food products and r.BOZSFUBJMPVUMFUTIBWF  have detailed information on the curbside and home appliances that are entering the product information information available to collection schedule in your area. landfills due to continual advancements charts posted in the store. customers on their r ĉFSFBSFTQFDJBMDPMMFDUJPOEBZTPSESPQPĎ in technology. Unfortunately, only 27% of Learn about where and how Buy Local! Support environmentally friendly locations for items around your home that eWaste is reused or recycled. the products you normally Ontario’s farmers products and you can should not be thrown out with the regular purchase are made and contact local health r *OHFOFSBM CVZMFTTTUVĎ#FGPSFQVSDIBTJOH as much as you can waste and must be disposed of properly. packaged, or how the fruit organizations. There’s an item, ask yourself do you really need it? by buying local and This includes tires and car batteries, or vegetable is grown. Are organic foods that information on food and Can you reuse something you already have? there healthier or more food safety, as well as household batteries, electronics, paints, are in season directly Can you borrow or rent it? environmentally friendly agricultural, environmental chemicals and CFLs. from them or at a local choices that fit within and energy reduction farmer’s market. r 3FEVDFQBQFSVTBHFCZTJHOJOHVQGPS your budget? farming practices available paperless billing. from Health Canada r 0SHBOJDBMMZHSPXOGPPEJT (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) and the r 6TFCJPEFHSBEBCMFQBQFSCBHTJOTUFBEPG growing in popularity and is now offered at Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and plastic for your waste. many retail outlets. The Canadian Rural Affairs (www.omafra.gov.on.ca). r 8IFOTIPQQJOH BWPJEVTJOHQMBTUJDCBHTUP government has an Organic Products carry your purchases home. Ask for paper Regulation Program to regulate bags, if available, use a recycled cardboard certification in Canada for organic box, or take along your own re-usable tote. products. Details are available from the It’s been estimated that Canadians take Canadian Food Inspection Agency home more than 55 million shopping (www.inspection.gc.ca). bags every week!

23 TRANSPORTATION It’s well documented that our cars and other vehicles burn energy and harm the ELECTRICAL environment. Getting from one place to nothera is a necessity for most people, but we can all make a difference if werethink why and how often we use our car.

r ĉFVTFPGGVFMCZUIFUSBOTQPSUBUJPOXF r 8IFOTIPQQJOHGPSBWFIJDMF DBSFGVMMZ use – cars, trucks, aviation – is a major consider the consumption– the cost of SAFETYTIPS worldwide contributor of greenhouse gasoline can really add up, year after year. gases. It may seem insignificant, but every r )ZCSJEWFIJDMFTBSFHSPXJOHJOQPQVMBSJUZ avoidable trip in a vehicle you make does A hybrid is a vehicle that uses two or make a difference. more power sources. There is a major r 8IFOFWFSQPTTJCMFXBML SJEFBCJLF VTF effort underway by governments and SERIOUS TIPS ON STAYING SAFE public transit or car-pool. manufacturers to get more electric vehicles It’s an unfortunate fact: too many people are injured or killed on the road and at affordable prices. every year because they use electricity in an unsafe manner, r %POUMFBWFZPVSWFIJDMFJEMJOHGPSBOZ reason. Idling for more than ten seconds or simply disregard the basic rules of electrical safety. uses more gas than it would take to restart The vast majority of electrical shocks are preventable. the engine. It is estimated that human error is the cause of at r "WPJEVTJOHUIFBJSDPOEJUJPOFSXIJMF least 80% of all electrocution deaths in Ontario. driving. Roll your windows down and you’ll save gas – plus it’s easier on your engine. Electricity is safe if you treat it with respect and not become careless about how you use it. r ,FFQJOHUIFUJSFTPOZPVSWFIJDMFQSPQFSMZ inflated makes a difference in fuel Here are a few important tips to remember to keep you consumption. Studies done by Transport Canada show that 70% of the tires on the and your family safe. road are under-inflated. HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE If electricity flows through a human body, it can kill. And it doesn’t take much electricity to burn or cause death. In fact, it takes less than the one amp of electricity required to make a 100-watt light bulb glow.

r &MFDUSJDJUZBMXBZTTFFLTUIFFBTJFTUBOEUIF “jump” across the space between shortest path to the ground. So if you touch a power line and a conductor like an electrical wire, you become part of the you, or your ladder. The higher electrical circuit resulting in an instant flow the voltage, the more likely an arc of electricity to the ground. can occur. r "TZPVBMSFBEZTVTQFDU FMFDUSJDJUZUSBWFMT r *GZPVIBEBOFMFDUSJDBMėSFBOE fast…approximately 300,000 km per decided to try and put it out second (186,000 miles per second). with water, because electricity travels at close to the speed of r "MMIVNBOT NFUBMT XBUFSBOEFWFOOPO light, it will travel up the steam metallic surfaces, like trees, can conduct of water as if that water was electricity, and in large amounts. FYI - your standing still. body is 70% water, so you are an excellent conductor of electricity. r ĉFGVTFTJOZPVSIPNF prevent fires caused by r :PVDBOHFUFMFDUSPDVUFEXJUIPVUFWFO overloaded circuits, but touching a wire. Electricity can arc or they do not protect you against shock. 24 25 FUSES AND BREAKERS If your electrical panel uses fuses, always replace the fuse with the one that is the correct amperage. If you substitute with a higher amp fuse, it’s a fire hazard.

If you blow a fuse or throw a breaker, make sure that any appliances on that circuit are turned off or unplugged before you change the fuse or reset the breaker. If you have fuses that blow on a regular basis or circuit breakers that trip frequently, it’s a sign that you have a potential electrical overload problem that should be investigated. EXTENSION CORDS, POWER BARS AND OUTLET EXPANDERS How many extension cords, power bars and outlet expanders do you have in use at home or at work? They sure come in handy when you don’t have enough outlets to plug everything into, or when the outlets are too far away to plug in a floor lamp or your computer equipment. However, they can be a very serious electrical hazard if not used properly.

One of the most important electrical safety steps you can take is stop and think about how many extension cords, power bars and outlet expanders you’re using, THE BATHROOM and how many things are plugged into them, both inside and outside your home. Common sense will tell you whether or not you have created an electrical hazard. Be very careful after you take a shower or a bath because your bathroom is full of moisture. That makes it an electrical shock hazard when you use an electrical What to keep in mind: appliance like a hair dryer or an electric shaver. Think before you act. r /FWFSSFNPWFUIFUIJSEQSPOHPOBO r /FWFSOBJMBOFYUFOTJPODPSEUPXBMMT extension cord (the round one) no matter or floors because you could puncture All outlets in your bathroom should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). how desperate you are to plug something the protective insulation, and never put It’s common sense, but many people forget that electricity and water are a deadly in. That third prong is a grounding wire extension cords under carpets, behind combination. When you are wet, never touch electric cords, switches and is there to provide a ground path to radiators or under heavy furniture. or appliances. help prevent or minimize shocks. Instead of breaking the third prong off to fit an r %POPUXJOEFYUFOTJPODPSETUJHIUMZ older electrical outlet, you should replace around any object because they are not the outlet. designed for that. The stress could cause the wires inside to expose themselves. DON’T DO IT YOURSELF! r /FWFSVTFBOFYUFOTJPODPSEJOQMBDFPG You decide to do some wiring in your home and you’re going to do it yourself. permanent wiring. They are designed for r %POPUPWFSMPBEFYUFOTJPODPSET"OZ temporary use only. This includes both amount of current above the cord’s rating Stop and think about it. It’s much safer to have a qualified electrician look at your inside and outside your home. For example, could pose a fire hazard. In addition, use an electrical requirements and make arrangements for an electrical inspection. The don’t use an extension cord to run power to extension cord that is an appropriate length. law requires that all electrical work be inspected and approved by the Electrical the pump on your swimming pool. While it may look much neater, coiling of an Safety Authority. extension cord can also pose a fire threat.

26 27 YOUR LADDER SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE ARE SIGNS Aluminum ladders, both the step and There are a number of danger signs that signal you have a problem that could extension type, are handy tools for both cause an electrical shock, including flickering lights, feeling a tingle when you inside and outside your home. They are touch an electrical appliance, a sizzling sound at wall switches or outlets, a burning lightweight, easy to handle and strong. smell coming from an appliance or wiring, or a discolouration of wall outlets. An unusually warm or hot electrical outlet may be a sign of unsafe wiring conditions. Tragically, the aluminum ladder is also the Unplug any cords to these outlets and have the wiring checked. number one tool involved in electrocution, both at home and on the job. What to keep in mind before you use OUTLETS your ladder: Avoid those “octopus outlets”. Let’s face it, you know that clusters of wires and r .FUBMJTBOFYDFMMFOUDPOEVDUPSPG electricity, so metal ladders are a serious plugs mean your electrical system can’t cope with your energy needs and you need hazard around overhead power lines. In to rewire and add circuits. Multiple power cords plugged into a single outlet are fact, extreme caution is advised no matter both an electrical shock and a fire hazard. what your ladder is made of because even wood ladders have some metal parts. All Young children in your home? Install safety plugs in all unused outlets. Doing ladders can conduct electricity if they are some wallpapering? Be careful when trimming the new wallpaper around dirty or wet. uncovered electrical switches and outlets. r #FGPSFZPVFWFOUIJOLBCPVUVTJOHBMBEEFS  take a very careful look around for potential electrical hazards, such as overhead service wires to your home. You should always be at least 3 metres away from a power line. YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP Consider what could happen if your ladder slips. Thinking about installing your own satellite dish or antenna? Get a professional to do it. If not, make sure you get someone to help you. Look around very carefully r 8IFOZPVSFQMBOOJOHUPUSJNBUSFF DMFBO to make sure your dish or antenna will be installed well away from power lines. out the rain gutters, install a satellite dish or paint your home, always remember to look Installing a swimming pool or a hot tub? Get a certified electrician to install the up for overhead power lines before you set wiring for the filter pump and any lighting you require. Make sure all outdoor up the ladder. circuits have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). r 1MBOUUSFFTXFMMBXBZGSPNQPXFSMJOFT*G you have a tree that has grown into power Always “Call Before You Dig”. Many power lines are underground, so if you are lines, call Waterloo North Hydro for landscaping, fencing or doing major excavations, call Waterloo North Hydro assistance and never attempt to prune trees before you dig. Better to be safe than sorry. around power lines by yourself.

28 29 EXTENSION CORDS AND ELECTRICAL TOOLS CFL BENEFITS AND SAFETY TIPS How old are your outdoor extension cords? Check them very carefully for frayed CFLs have many eco benefits, including the fact that they last for several years. and/or cracked insulation as well as worn plugs. However, just like batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) should be disposed of safely as they contain a small amount of mercury. According to Natural Using an electric lawn mower, trimmer, or hedge clippers? Do you have the power Resources Canada (NRCan), the average mercury content in a CFL is about 3 cord safely out of the way before you hit the “on” switch? milligrams, which is very little. Compare that to older home thermometers that contained from 500 to 3,000 milligrams. While individual bulbs pose little risk to Don’t work with power tools during an electrical storm. anyone, if hundreds of thousands of bulbs end up in landfills there can be a devastating KEEP AWAY impact – so dispose of them safely. Disposal programs are available in Stay away from pad mount transformers, the green metal boxes containing the some municipalities and both CFL above frayed ground portion of an underground electrical installation. If you see manufacturers and major Canadian a pad mount transformer that looks damaged or appears to have been tampered retailers offer recycling options. with, contact Waterloo North Hydro. If you do accidentally break a CFL, open windows to disperse any vapours, carefully clean up the fragments while wearing APPLIANCE AND TOOL SAFETY gloves or using a damp paper towel, place r $IFDLUPNBLFTVSFUIFBQQMJBODFPSUPPM r .BLFTVSFZPVSUPPMTBSFQSPQFSMZ the fragments in a sealable plastic bag and has the approval seal of a recognized testing grounded or double insulated. The dispose of properly. laboratory such as CSA or UL. grounded tool must have an approved three-wire cord with a three-prong plug. r *GZPVGFFMBUJOHMJOH sensation when you touch r/FWFSVTFFMFDUSJDBMUPPMT  an electrical appliance in wet conditions or damp or a tool, or if there’s a locations. burning smell, remove the fuse or throw the breaker, r %POUUJFUIFQPXFSDPSET and have the appliance or for your electrical tools tool checked by a certified in tight knots because repair person. they can cause short Always unplug circuits and shocks. r /FWFSQVUBNFUBMPCKFDU electrical appliances in live parts of appliances before you clean them r/FWFSSVODPSETGPS  or outlets, such as using appliances or tools under a knife to free a piece of rugs or furniture. bread stuck in the toaster. r /FWFSMFBWFBTQBDFIFBUFSVOBĨFOEFEPS r "MXBZTVOQMVHBOBQQMJBODFUIBUPWFSIFBUTBOE leave children or pets alone in a room with have it checked by a qualified repairperson. a space heater.

r ,FFQUIFDPSETGPSBQQMJBODFTTBGFMZBXBZ r 6TFTVSHFQSPUFDUPSTGPSDPNQVUFST  from ledges because children and pets can printers and your entertainment systems pull them down. TVDIBTUFMFWJTJPOTBOE%7%QMBZFST

ChangeC the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide ddetector on an annual basis. 30 31 Season-by-Season Energy SUMMER During periods of hot weather your energy usage climbs substantially, especially if you use air conditioning, a dehumidifier, or have a backyard pool. Conservation Appliances, like refrigerators, must work harder to maintain a set temperature during hot weather.

Checklist SUMMER CHECKLIST r 6TFMPXWPMUBHFPSTPMBSPVUEPPSMJHIUJOH r 1VUBUJNFSPOSPPNBJSDPOEJUJPOFSTJG for landscaping. there’s no one at home during the day.

r ĉFTBNFJOTVMBUJPOJOZPVSBĨJDUIBU r *GZPVIBWFDFOUSBMBJSDPOEJUJPOJOH  keeps you warm in winter also keeps you maintain the temperature between SPRING cool in summer. Make sure you add attic 24°C (74°F) and 26°C (78°F). Install a Spring is a good time to prepare your year-round vents so hot air can escape. programmable thermostat. You can set it to turn off the AC when you leave for plan to reduce your energy consumption. The r 6TFDVSUBJOTPSCMJOETUPTIBEFXJOEPXT key to a realistic energy savings program is to keep the day and then turn it back on before You could consider installing awnings. you return. it simple to start: make a list of the easy improvements you can do by yourself at little expense. While you’re at it, note the major r 8IFOFWFSQPTTJCMF VTFUIFNJDSPXBWF  r 1VUZPVSTXJNNJOHQPPMėMUFSPOBUJNFS toaster oven or barbecue instead of or turn it off on cooler summer nights. energy saving jobs that are long term and may require expert help, the stove. such as replacing windows. r 6TFBTPMBSCMBOLFUUPLFFQTXJNNJOH r 6TFBDFJMJOHPSQPSUBCMFGBOUPIFMQ pool water warm overnight. circulate cooled air. SPRING CHECKLIST r $MFBOPSSFQMBDFGVSOBDFėMUFST r 8BMLBSPVOEUIFIPVTFBOEMPPLGPS r *OTUBMMNPUJPOTFOTPSMJHIUTPS any winter damage to window caulking programmable timers for outdoor lights. and sealing. r $MFBOPSSFQMBDFGVSOBDFėMUFST r )PUXFBUIFSJTPOUIFXBZTPNBLFTVSF your air conditioner is serviced and r *GZPVIBWFDFOUSBMBJSDPOEJUJPOJOH TFBM ready to go. the seams of accessible furnace ducting with duct tape to ensure more cooled air r $POTJEFSJOTUBMMJOHDFJMJOHGBOTUPSFEVDF reaches its destination. the need to use your air conditioner. r 7BDVVNUIFDPOEFOTFSDPJMTPOZPVS r $IFDLPVUEPPSMJHIUJOHėYUVSFTGPS refrigerator and freezer. winter damage. Clean fixture covers and confirm you are using energy r 5VSOPĎUIFQPXFSBUUIFQBOFMBOE efficient bulbs. vacuum lint from the clothes dryer motor, drum and exhaust hose.

32 33 FALL WINTER Fall is an important time to do all of your preparations, inside and out, for the As the temperature outside drops, your energy winter months ahead. When it comes to conserving energy and reducing your consumption will climb. Once winter weather sets energy bill, the work you do in the fall to get ready for the winter may be the most in, the preparations you made during the fall will important of the year. really start to pay off. There are still lots of things you can do inside to improve your home’s energy FALL CHECKLIST efficiency. r $BVMLPSTFBMESBěTBSPVOE windows, doors, air vents and WINTER CHECKLIST electrical outlets - they can account for 25% of total r $IFDLGPSESBěTBSPVOEXJOEPXT EPPST r 1SPQFSMZIVNJEJėFEBJSGFFMTXBSNFS annual heating costs. and electrical outlets. Installing an outlet and allows you to turn your thermostat and switch sealer kit will prevent cold air down. During the heating season, r *GZPVIBWFNFDIBOJDBM from entering through electric outlets the relative humidity in your home ventilation, you might and switches. should be no higher than 30% and no want to consider using condensation on your windows. In bitter heat-shrink plastic to improve r 0QFOZPVSDVSUBJOTBOECMJOETUPMFUUIF cold weather, the humidity will need to the performance of windows that you sun warm the room, and then close them fall below 30% to prevent condensation are unlikely to open. at night to reduce heat loss through on windows. windows. r $IFDLZPVSJOTVMBUJPOĉFBĨJDBOE basement are the first places to consider r 3FQMBDFJODBOEFTDFOUMJHIUCVMCTXJUI r 5FNQFSBUVSFMFWFMTJOZPVSIPNFBSF compact fluorescent lights. for more insulation because these areas a matter of individual choice, but the can represent as much as 15% - 30% of most commonly recommended settings r $MPTFUIFIFBUSFHJTUFSTJOVOVTFESPPNT your home’s overall heating and are 20°C (68°F) during the day, 18°C and close the door. cooling losses. (64°F) for sleeping and 16°C (61°F) when you are away from home. r "OVOJOTVMBUFECBTFNFOUIBTBIJHIIFBU r "SSBOHFUIFZFBSMZNBJOUFOBODFDIFDL loss so adding interior insulation will on your furnace by an expert to ensure r 6TFBQSPHSBNNBCMFUIFSNPTUBUUP help improve your home’s overall it’s working at peak efficiency for the automatically adjust the temperature energy efficiency. winter ahead. settings. r $MFBOPSSFQMBDFGVSOBDFėMUFST r $MFBOPSSFQMBDFGVSOBDFėMUFST

r *GZPVEPOUBMSFBEZIBWFPOF JOTUBMMB programmable thermostat.

r 4BWFPOZPVSXBUFSIFBUJOHCJMMCZ insulating at least the first two metres (six feet) of the hot water pipe and the first metre (three feet) of the cold water pipe that extends from your hot water tank. You can also wrap an insulating blanket around your water heater.

r *GQPTTJCMF ESBJOXBUFSUISPVHIUIFTQJHPU at the bottom of the water heater to remove sediment that reduces its energy- efficiency. It’s always a good idea to have an expert technician do a maintenance check on your hot water heater to ensure it is working at peak efficiency. 34 35 CAMBRIDGE AND NORTH DUMFRIES HYDRO INC.

1500 Bishop Street 301 Victoria Street S. 526 Country Squire Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 5X6 Kitchener, ON N2G 4L2 Waterloo, ON N2J 4A3 Phone: 519-621-3530 Phone: 519-743-3600 Phone: 519-886-5090 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

www.camhydro.com www.kwhydro.ca www.wnhydro.com

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