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Energy Saving Ideas

Managing Your Electricity Use

We're always looking for ways to make life easier. We use appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, food processors, washers and dryers. We enjoy the flexibility of VCRs and satellite dishes. And more of us are using personal computers, modems and fax machines from home. We're using electricity like never before. That's why it pays to manage the electricity we use wisely.

Buying a New Appliance

A major appliance is a long-term investment. It makes sense to shop carefully. You should choose an appliance based on its purchase price and also its "second price tag"-the cost of the energy needed to run the appliance over its lifetime. Since major appliances last an average of 13 to 21 years, choosing an energy-efficient model can add up to substantial savings over time. It takes only seconds to sharpen your shopping smarts by reading the EnerGuide label that is now on every major appliance, by law.

Using EnerGuide

The EnerGuide label tells you quickly how the appliance you're considering compares with other makes and models. Check out their website listed on our Energy Saving Site links.

Shopping Guide

Refrigerators
Of all the large appliances, refrigerators usually consume the most energy. So it pays to buy wisely.
  • Select the right size for your needs. For one or two people, consider a capacity of about 340 litres (12 cu. ft.). For three or four people, 395 to 480 litres (14 to 17 cu. ft.) should be right. For each additional person, add 55 litres (2 cu. ft.).
  • In general, one-door manual defrost models are the most efficient. Units with side-by-side doors are the least efficient. There are exceptions, however, so check the EnerGuide label.
  • Measure the space where you want to put your refrigerator. Most manufacturers recommend 25 mm (1") of space on each side for airflow.
  • Choose a model with an energy saver switch.
Freezers
  • Calculate the right size for your family. About 85 to 140 litres (3 to 5 cu. ft.) per person is right. If you have a vegetable garden, entertain a lot, or if your family is growing, think about a larger model.
  • Measuring is very important.
  • Freezers come in two basic styles-chest and upright. A chest freezer is by far the more efficient and has more usable space. However, an upright model will take up less floor space and some people find it more convenient.
Electric Ranges
  • Self-cleaning ovens cost a little more but they can also be up to 25% more efficient because they are generally better insulated than other models. In normal use, heat is distributed more evenly and less energy is consumed.
  • Look for oven doors that are well insulated and fit tightly. A window in the oven door lets you look inside without opening the door and letting heat escape.
Dishwashers

Dishwashers have become much more efficient in recent years. Some will use less hot water than if you washed by hand. This offsets the cost of the power used. And, because dishwashers use hotter water than hand washing, they're a more sanitary cleaning method.
  • Look for a short-cycle or econowash feature, which uses less hot water. This is important because about 85% of a dishwasher's electricity is used to heat the water.
  • Look for an energy-saver switch that turns off the heating element to let dishes air dry.
Washers

EnerGuide ratings vary more widely for clothes washers than for other appliances. The most efficient models use less than half the energy of the least efficient. Considering its average life is 13 years, making the right choice will have a big effect on energy costs.
  • Look for front-loading washers. They're much more energy-efficient because they use less hot water.
  • Look for models that offer cold wash and rinse cycles, which significantly reduce energy costs.
  • Models with water level control and shorter gentle cycles let you do small loads and fine fabrics without wasting a full cycle.
  • If your usual laundry load is small, consider a compact model.
Dryers

Clothes dryers have a smaller range in EnerGuide rating but their individual features can make a big difference in energy consumption. Here's what to look for:
  • A cool-down "perma-press" cycle that tumbles clothes in cooler air for the last 5 to 10 minutes saves energy and reduces wrinkling.
  • A time control that lets you set the temperature and drying time helps avoid over-drying, which wastes energy and can be hard on fabrics.
  • An electronic moisture or temperature sensor that automatically turns off the machine when it senses that clothes are dry is a very energy-wise feature.
  • Permanent press or delicate cycles use less energy than the regular cycle.
  • If you do only small loads, consider a compact model. Look for one that has many of the above features.

Energy Efficient Lighting

The average home has about 30 light fixtures. With today's advanced technology, there's an opportunity to save energy and money with every one of them while keeping your home well-lit.

How much light do you need?

People often use high wattage light bulbs when a lower one would do the job. When replacing a light bulb, reconsider your lighting needs and step down to a lower wattage. It will mean energy and financial savings.

Lighting in the home falls into two broad categories. General room lighting, such as ceiling and wall fixtures and table and floor lamps, provides overall light to an area. Task lighting, such as reading lamps, desk lights and kitchen counter lights, is used for specific purposes. Task lights should be positioned so they don't shine directly into your eyes.

It's advisable to use a combination of task and general room lights. Using general lighting for task lighting can light the room too harshly and strain the eyes. The right balance provides a pleasant indoor environment and an efficient use of electricity.

Compact Fluorescents Put Power Savings in a New Light

Gone are the days when fluorescent lights meant a ghastly blue-green tinge. The new Compact Fluorescent Lights are now offered for every purpose - and come in every shape and size. Take a minute next time you are out shopping and you will see an array including, pot lights, bug lights, lights that respond to dimmers and chandelier bulbs for example.

Today they all provide the same light as higher watt incandescents but use a fraction of the energy. A 15W compact fluorescent, for example, will put out the same amount of light as a 60W incandescent while using up to 70% less power.

The familiar long fluorescent tubes have also been compacted to fit standard light fixtures. Some come with adapters, others have adapters already built in. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and wattages.

Compact fluorescent bulbs provide the same natural white light as incandescent bulbs so you can use them together and still have balanced, even lighting throughout the room.

Savings and Convenience

Compact fluorescents are more expensive than regular light bulbs, but they pay for themselves in money savings, energy savings, and convenience.

They last up to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs. When you buy one compact fluorescent, you save the cost of nine incandescent replacements.

Since they last so much longer, they're ideal for lights that are hard to reach, difficult to change, or are used for long periods of time.

The benefits of compact fluorescents are easiest to see when you remember that light output is not measured in watts, as many people believe. Watts measure the amount of electricity a light bulb consumes. Lumens measure the actual light output you get from a bulb.

For example: A 15W compact fluorescent puts out 900 lumens compared to a 60W incandescent that puts out 860 lumens. But the compact fluorescent uses only 25% as much electricity.

See the chart below for a comparison.

Incandescent bulbs
Compact Fluorescent bulbs
Watts
Lumens
Watts
Lumens
25
270
5
250
40
510
7
400
52
780
9
600
60
860
15
900
90
1,540
18
1,250
100
1,680
26
1,800


More Energy-Efficient Lighting Alternatives

Fluorescent Tubes

Today's fluorescent tubes are right at home in houses and are available in enough varieties to give appropriate light for any situation. Colours include Cool White (the least expensive), which is popular in work areas, Standard Warm White Deluxe for general room lighting, and Deluxe Warm White, the choice for personal grooming because it produces the most natural and flattering skin tones.

Since fluorescent tubes use 60% to 80% less energy than incandescents, they are much more economical and can spread even light over wide areas. They're the best sellers for kitchen renovations. Although they cost more than normal light bulbs, they last 10 to 20 times longer which more than offsets the price difference.

Halogen Bulbs



Halogen bulbs are the designer's choice for energy efficient lighting. They are similar to incandescents but produce a whiter light, use an average of 40% less electricity, last two to four times longer and come in spot or flood types.

There are two main types of halogen bulbs. One operates on standard household voltage and can replace incandescent bulbs. The other type is a low voltage (12 volts) halogen or quartz halogen bulb. It is very small and is designed for fixtures that have a built-in transformer to lower the voltage. The advantage of these small bulbs is that they give the same output as the larger ones while using up to 50% less power than a regular light bulb. Their size also allows them to fit into very compact, stylish fixtures.

Forty and 90 watt halogen PAR (parabolic aluminum reflector) lamps replace 75 and 150 watt spot and flood lights. They are ideal for track lighting, pot lights, recessed down lights and outdoor security lights. Other models are available for specialty applications such as highlighting art or creating pools of light.

Energy Efficient Incandescent Bulbs

These are regular incandescent light bulbs that have been improved to use less energy, with slightly less output. While they don't save as much energy as compact fluorescents, they can be used with dimmers, they work well outdoors and they fit any light fixture that takes a regular bulb.

Think twice about incandescent bulbs known as "long life" or "extended life." They may sound like an efficient choice but the names are a bit deceiving. Yes, they do last a long time-1,500 to 10,000 hours compared to 750 to 1,000 hours for a normal bulb-but they emit up to 30% less light while using the same amount of energy.

Dimmer Switches Cut the Cost and Set the Mood

You can make regular incandescent bulbs more efficient by replacing your on/off switches with dimmers. Check these advantages:
  • Dimmers are inexpensive and serve a number of purposes.
  • Turning light levels down saves energy and extends bulb life.
  • Lights can be brighter in one part of the room than another.
  • Dimmers allow you to set a mood.
In some cases, they allow you to combine task and general lighting on the same fixtures. If you already have dimmer switches and find that you're always dimming the lights to get an acceptable level, you should consider lower wattage bulbs.

Motion Sensors with Halogen Lamps

These are an excellent way to light pathways and provide a warm welcome. For security purposes you can tune the sensor to detect movement within certain areas. Motion sensors are also available for indoor use to replace regular light switches. For maximum efficiency, look for a motion sensor that will not be triggered in daylight.

Other Energy-saving Tips

Give your meter a holiday

While you're on vacation, give your electrical meter a holiday to save money. Turn off your electric water heater at the electrical panel if you are away for more than two days. Lower the thermostats on your air conditioner and refrigerator.

Take advantage of free cooling

It isn't always necessary to run the air conditioning at night during the summer. Open the windows and enjoy the comfort of cool evening air. This also improves air quality and removes humidity.

Make every stroke count

Swimming pools increase your electricity bill. Try to maintain a water temperature of 26C (78F) or lower. Some pools are only used on weekends and water temperature can be reduced by 8-10 degrees during the week.

A constantly running pool pump is expensive. One complete water filtering every 24-hours is fine for a residential pool.

Some pool owners use more chemicals to offset the electricity costs of running the pump. Compare the costs carefully so that your energy savings are not offset by extra chemicals.

Fresher clothes at no cost

Drying your clothes outside is a way of tackling one of the largest users of electricity in your home-the electric clothes dryer. You can use a common clothesline or a portable, fold-up clothesline which can be neatly put away.

Power cheaters could be lurking in your home this winter

Windows and doors are common escape hatches for heat. If they're not weather stripped or caulked, the cost is criminal.

Thermostats set too high embezzle big bucks. Adjust the thermostat to provide comfort without overheating. As a general rule, the settings should be: 21C (70F) when relaxing, 20C (68F) when working around the house, 18C (64F) when sleeping at night, and 16C (61F) when the house is unoccupied.

An open damper when your fireplace is not used lets hard-earned heat go up the chimney.

Poorly insulated attics cheat you out of heat all winter.

Dust-clogged filters overwork your furnace, fleecing you of heating dollars.

It's worth it to use a timer with the block heater on your car or truck.




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