SOURCE:www.koho.ca
In 2019, the average Canadian household spent $2,535 on energy costs. This works out to about $210 per month, which can be a pricey expense when taking into account mortgages,rent,school tuition, transportation charges, childcare fees, and all the other costs of living.
The good news is that there are many ways for you to save money on your utility bills, be it through organic energy conservation, applying to public relief programs, investing in energy-efficient home upgrades, or making some simple lifestyle changes.
To shrink that utility bill, you should start by thinking about ways to reduce your energy use at home. It’s especially important to be mindful of your electricity use given the recent lockdown measures enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The more we stay at home, the more energy we use. Here are some quick tipsto help reduce your electricity use:
Get into the habit of turning off the lights when exiting a room. Even better, leave your lights off if there’s enough sunlight! Additionally, consider using smallerlights, like a lamp or counterlights, instead of ceiling lights.
Phantom power, also known as “standby power,” happens when your electronics are turned off, but still plugged in. Turning off the TV after use is great, but turning it off and unplugging it is even better. Using a power bar makes it even easier to avoid phantom power, as you can remove one plug-in to power off multiple devices.
Did you know that each dryer use can translate to 24-72 cents on your energy bill? You can save up to 20% of your dryer’s energy use with an ENERGY STAR-certified dryer, or save 100% of it by hanging your clothes to dry instead! Hair dryers also eat up precious electricity, especially if you pair it with the phantom power generated if you forget to unplug one. Luckily, the solution is simple — consider air drying or towel drying your hair instead.
Ovens consume a lot of electricity. But don’t worry, we’re not telling you to forego cooking altogether. Instead, change up how you heat up your food. Skip the oven and choose your microwave, crock pot, or even toaster oven to save on energy costs.
Sure, hardwood floors look nice and crisp, but they certainly don’t feel too cozy on your feet. Adding an area rug can help warm up a room without expending extra energy.
Prior to leaving your home for the day, and especially before going out for an extended period of time, remember to turn down your thermostat. Want to do even more? Consider lowering your thermostat and cuddling up in a cozy sweater or with a fuzzy blanket while staying in as well.
Many households waste water through leaky faucets and long showers. Plus, it doesn’t help when you let water run while shaving, soaping dishes, or washing your hands. Remember to address those leaks and turn off those faucets.
Furnaces use up a lot of energy to heat up your home. Cleaning the filter and vents, as well as scheduling regular maintenance checks with a professional, can help ensure your furnace is heating your home as efficiently as possible.
All in all, there are many ways to use electricity more efficiently at home, and the list doesn’t stop here. There are plenty of financial incentives offered by various levels of governments and other organizations to help you stick to your energy-efficient lifestyles.
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