TAKE STEPS TO CONSERVE ENERGY IN YOUR HOME.
Early fall is a good time to start thinking of winter-proofing your home for the frigid season ahead. To reduce looming heating and hydro bills, many people decide to do some simple work to their house to make it more energy-efficient.
Click here to visit the BC Hydro Power Smart site to help you $ave Money and energy!
THE HOME OFFFICE AND FAMILY ROOM
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Consider energy-efficient computer systems and monitors. Most new computers are now built with power management capabilities. However, you have to manually go into your computer's Control Panel to enable these features, for example setting to Standby or Hibernation. It is better to turn your computer off completely when not in use as this will save more energy in the long run.
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Liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors are the most energy-efficient, using 80 to 90 per cent less energy than cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Energy Star products save up to 75 per cent of the energy that is normally used by other brands.
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Shut down your office when it is not in use - this includes fax machines and printers. Inkjet printers use less energy than laser ones.
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Unplug TVs that are used infrequently, as many continue to draw power even when turned off.
THE BATHROOM
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Fix leaky faucets - dripping taps can add up to 95 liters of water per faucet per month, and cost you an extra 7 kWh per month.
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Install water-saving shower heads, found at most hardware stores
THE KITCHEN
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Don't use a bigger pot than you need on the stove and match it to the properly sized element.
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Check and clean dishwasher drains and filters regularly to ensure efficient operation.
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Avoid using an old, inefficient refrigerator in the basement as a second fridge for occasional refreshments, etc.It could cost you $150 or more per year in electricity.
THE LAUNDRY ROOM
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Wash your clothes in cold or warm water - 85 to 90 per cent of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water.
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Clean the lint filter of your dryer after every load. A clogged lint filter can increase energy use up to 30 per cent and may be a fire hazard.