Practising Energy Conservation is Easier than you Think
Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share YOUR biggest energy conservation tip.
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The first step in reducing energy? Recognizing the opportunities!
Practicing energy conservation has lots of great benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and lowering your monthly utility bill. And it’s a lot easier than you think!
There are plenty of simple and cost effective initiatives you can do both at home and at work that can help reduce your energy consumption. The first step is recognizing opportunities for energy conservation and making small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact.
Seven tips to help you conserve energy and save some money:
1. Wash clothes in cold water and hang dry. Approximately 90 per cent of the energy consumed in washing is used to heat the water. This could save you up to $50 per year based on three loads a week.
2. Unplug cellphone chargers and other personal gadgets when not in use. Keep them unplugged until you need them. Or consider using power bars to turn off electronics. Even when you think your electronics are turned off, some items, like your TV, may still be consuming energy on standby mode. This is referred to as “phantom power.” Turning off and unplugging electronics could save you nearly $100 per year on your electricity bill.
3. During the winter months, keep your shades and blinds open on sunny days and close them at night, and vice versa during the summer, to reduce heat loss and keep your home cool.
4. Weatherize your home by sealing up gaps around windows and doors with caulking and weather stripping to prevent air leaks.
5. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to LED ones could save you up to $500 per year on your bills.
6. Replace older appliances with new energy efficient ones. Newer fridge models can save up to 40 per cent more energy compared to older models from 10 years ago. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models.
7. Did you know that governments and utility companies are promoting conservation programs to help power homes and workplaces? Conservation is the gateway to a sustainable energy future for our community. Check out these incentive and rebate programs offered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (formally Ontario Power Authority):
- saveONenergy program
- peaksaverPLUS
- saveONenergy coupons
- Fridge and freezer pickup
- Heating and cooling incentives
- New homebuyers’ programs
Don’t forget to turn off your lights for Earth Hour!
To learn more about energy conservation techniques, join us for an Earth Hour event on Saturday, March 28 beginning 6:30 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall.
Earth Hour is a global movement to raise awareness around climate change and energy conservation. This year’s event include an energy exhibit, lantern walk, environmental jeopardy game for secondary school students, cycling night ride, refreshments and entertainment.
Kailyn Smith, MES
Sustainability Co-ordinator
Leave a comment below and share YOUR biggest energy conservation tip.
Visit the City of Vaughan’s website at vaughan.ca.
Our Story, Our City 
When we are all in one room for couple of hours, which is usually everyday evening hours, we reduce the heating and turn the fire place on.
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“Hi Priya, thanks for your comment on how you reduce heat at home with your family. Using a natural gas fireplace with a gas heating system rather than a wood fireplace has the same effect as isolating the heating system in one room which reduces the need to heat the entire house. This is a great way to save energy. You’ll also find that newer wood fireplaces that are WETT certified burn efficiently and limit air emissions.”
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