Water Consumption and Water Heating Efficiency Tips
Lower the temperature of the thermostat on your water heater. A water heater set to 120°F provides enough hot water for most uses.
Repair leaky faucets and install low-flow fascists on your sinks and low-flow shower heads.
Insulate your hot-water storage tank. If your water storage tank is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation. Also, insulate hot water piping.
Drain a gallon of water from your hot water tank every 6 months to eliminate sediment buildup and improve the energy efficiency.
Use cold water for washing your cloths. Also, only wash your cloths and dishes when you have a full load.
Use a rain barrel for harvesting rainwater.
Convert your old toilet into a dual flush toilet.
Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency Tips
Install additional insulation to reduce energy loss from the attic, basement, windows, and doors to improve your insulation r value.
Replace HVAC filters every month.
Close the doors and vents to rooms that are not in use. Use a vent cover to fully close off your vents. Only use energy to heat and cool the rooms you are occupying.
Use air register deflectors to control the conditioned airflow in your home.
Insulate ductwork that runs through unconditioned portions of your home.
During winter months, keep the shades on your southern windows open during the day to allow sunlight to help heat your home.
During summer months, keep window blinds closed to minimize the amount of heat added to your home by sunlight.
Use a programmable thermostat and set it to your daily schedule to minimize the need for heating and cooling.
Set your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter as much as is comfortable. Each degree change can save you up to 8% on your monthly energy bills.
Use weather stripping to make doors more air tight.
Use a window insulation kit to prevent heat loss during the winter.
Caulk the inside of doors and windows for better insulation.
Install garage door weatherstripping.
Electricity Saving Tips
Use a smart power strip on your home entertainment center to eliminate the electricity draw caused by even turned off appliances.
Switch your computers to their energy saving setting.
Air dry dishes by opening the dishwasher door instead of using the dishwasher’s drying mode.
Clean the lint in your cloths dryer after every load.
Replace traditional light bulbs with low energy light bulbs, such as compact fluorescents, as they burn out.
Utilize natural daylight instead of artificial lighting whenever possible.
After all other energy saving measures, consider installing residential solar panels to produce your own solar electricity or installing a solar hot water heater. Photovoltaic (solar energy) systems are not right for every home, so review this home solar panels guide.
Switch to a green energy supplier to conserve resources and possibly reduce your energy bill. To see if green energy is available in your area, visit AlbertaEnergyProviders.com.
