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Smart Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs

In the last decade, climate change and energy efficiency have come to the forefront of many Canadians’ minds. From wanting to do our part by recycling to making our home as energy efficient as possible, there are many benefits to being environmentally and energy conscious.

If you are looking to cut costs or want to reduce your eco-footprint, here are some great ways to cut your energy costs:

1. Get a Smart Thermostat: A pretty easy installation, a smart thermostat can help you better manage your in-home temperature. Whether you install a basic programmable thermostat or try Google’s Nest, which learns from you and works to predict which temperatures you prefer and when getting a read on your in-home temperature can help you better manage your energy usage.

2. Look for Drafty Spots: Drafts can quickly become a wasted effort and result in extra costs when it comes to heating your home. In addition to windows and doors, you should also seal any folding attic stairs, add a fireplace plug to seal the damper, and install a dryer vent seal to reduce drafts in your laundry room.

3. Swap to LEDs: Most of us are already using LED bulbs throughout our homes. If you aren’t yet, now is the time to make the switch! LED bulbs use 15% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb, which can save you a ton of money each month, especially in larger homes.

4. Turn Down Your Water Heater: While sometimes nothing beats a good scalding shower, you don’t want to be burned with a high energy bill. Did you know if you knock down that temperature gauge by just 10 degrees, you can save 3% to 5% on your monthly bills!?

5. Examine Your Appliances: Since 1992, ENERGY STAR® has supported energy-efficient appliances and products, helping consumers make the right choices. Some of the least green appliances in your home are your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and refrigerator. If you don’t currently have Energy Star-certified versions of these machines, swapping to them is a surefire way to reduce your monthly expenses.

Don’t want to buy new appliances? Here are some other tips and tricks to help make them more efficient in the meantime:

Dishwashers: Use a citric acid-based cleaner in an empty cycle to remove excess soap and calcium buildup that may be making your machine work harder.

Washing Machines: Maximize energy by filling your machine to the brim whenever possible. Washing machines typically use the same amount of energy regardless of load size.

Dryers: First, ensure you always clean your lint filter to increase air circulation. Second, keep an eye on the outside exhaust and clean it when needed to reduce drying time and save energy.

Refrigerators: While most of us are more concerned with the food inside our fridges than the parts, it is important to check your condenser coils. Over time, dirt, food particles and dust can collect and reduce the efficiency. Another tip is to set your refrigerator to 2-3 degrees Celsius.

Close The Blinds: When the temperature starts heating up, it is important to close the blinds and drapes to prevent the sun from beating in and warming up your home. The excessive heat makes your air conditioner work overtime, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

In addition to the cost savings and environmental benefits of improving your energy efficiency, CMHC also has a rebate available! The CMHC Eco Plus refund can provide a 25% partial premium refund if you’re CMHC insured and buying or building an energy-efficient home! Click here for more details