Tips to reduce your energy consumption

You can reduce your energy bill and contribute to the protection of the environment by developing some of these good habits:

Your home is plugged into nature. Nearly 60 per cent of the energy used by Canadian homes is directly related to heating. Even though we think weâ€™re becoming more energy conscious, this figure is actually rising because the size of the homes we build has been steadily increasing since the 1950s. Depending on which province you live in, electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, hydro-electric dams or nuclear power plants. Each of these has environmental consequences Â from air pollution and global warming to habitat loss and nuclear waste.

Come on Canada, itâ€™s time to kick our bad habits and get into shape! David Suzuki

Heating

Set the indoor temperature to a maximum of 21 C. ( Each degree above 20 C adds an extra 2 to 5% to your energy bill.
For extra savings lower the indoor temperature at night by to to 5 c ( to 18 C) Bundle up under the covers.
and also reduce temperature when before leaving the house.
Use a thermometer to determine the indoor temperature instead of relying on wall thermostats, which are often inaccurate.
Keep the temperature consistent in all rooms that are not separated by doors. For rooms that are not being used frequently or that can be kept at a lower temperature, keep the door closed and reduce temperature.
Wear an extra layer of clothes when it is very cold outside.
Put on more clothes when it is very cold outside.
Keep dashboard heaters or other heating devices cleared ( do not put furniture in front or above them) Otherwise, make sure to leave at least 2 feet between the furniture and the heating device to ensure good heat circulation.
In the winter, do not hesitate to use a ceiling fanm clockwise and at low speed. These fans do not use much energy while allowing warm air circulation
During the daytime, leave your curtains or blinds open to let sun in.
At night, close the curtains or blinds to retain the heat indoors. Try to use thick, natural fibre curtains rather than plastic or metal blinds. They are much more efficient for insulating your windows.
Clean heating appliances regularly
Avoid heating the entrance hall if a door seperates it from the rest of your home.
Avoid heating the hall whenever possible.
In the event of extended absence, make sure to maintain indoor temperature high enough to prevent freezing ( 10 -Â 15 C depending on the home)

Hot water

Take Short showers (7 to 10 minutes maximum)

Instal a low flow shower head
Install low flow aerators to your taps
Fix leaky taps promptly
Wash your clothes in cold water and try to make large loads instead of small ones.
Ration hot water usage when you wash the dishes and rinse in cold water
Use dishwasher only when its full.

House Hold Appliances and lighting

Turn Air conditioning off when you leave, maintain the indoor temperature to 25 c ( excessive air conditioning can be very costly)
Use a screensaver on your computer. Always turn off your computer after using it.
Use lids on pots when cooking, they reduce cooking time.
Set the refrigerator temperature between 2c -Â 4c and the freezer to 18 c.
Avoid leaving your freezer empty. If your freezer is almost empty, use empty containers, fill them with water and put them in your freezer: the ice created will help maintain your freezer temperature.
Avoid putting your refrigerator near a heat source ( oven, radiators: as well, leave space of 3 -5 inches behind it.
Make sure to clean up the coil behind the refrigerator regularly ( at least once a year)
Let the dishes dry in the dishwasher instead of using the heat dry option
Leave free space behind your dryer so that you do not crush the vent.
Make sure the utside vent is equipped with a damper to prevent cold air from coming in. Make sure there are no leaks from the vent.
Empty the lint collector in your dryer after each load.
Use fluorescent compact light bulbs, while lasting 6 to 10 times longer
Turn off lights and other electronic devices ( television) in order to save energy
Prefer LED lightbulbs, for example, for christmas lights. They consume less energy, last longer and do not pollute.
Use the spin cycle twice when in the washing machine in order to reduce drying time.
Use clothes line in the summer.

Air quality
A high water content and the presence of fungi (mould) and associated toxins can lead to numerous health problems: allergies, asthma, chest pain, headaches, nausea, etc. Here’s how to prevent them:

Check the humidity level using a hygrometer (it must range between 25 and 45 %).
Air all parts of your home once a day by briefly opening windows and doors in order to create a light draught, rather than using a dehumidifier.
Connect the dryer duct to an outside exhaust equipped with a damper and make sure it is well sealed.
To expel moisture, turn on the extractor hood while you are cooking and the extractor fan while you are taking a bath or shower and let them run for a few minutes more after you are done.
Avoid hanging up clothes to dry inside.
If the ambient air is too dry, seal air leaks rather than using a humidifier.

Recognizing a moisture problem
Signs that a house has a humidity problem and, consequently, a certain degree of unhealthiness:

musty smell, of earth or alcohol
water spots possibly caused by infiltration or water damage, floods or drains backing up
green, black, white or multicolored spots on the inside surfaces of exterior walls, on the ceiling, in cupboards, in closets, on the back of furniture, on carpets, on window ledges, in damp places, in the bathroom.
rot stains
damp materials (wood, carpet, wallpaper), damp bed linen and clothing
presence of mist, water condensation or frost forming regularly on windows or other surfaces.

Source: Option Consommateurs

Do you jump every time you receive your energy bill? Do you have the impression you’re heating the outside world in the winter? We can help !

conologisÂ is a seasonal program provided by the minist’re des ressources naturelles, which offers free energy efficiency advice and products.

The service is free and is specifically offered to low-income households.

Option consommateurs proudly operates the program for Greater Montreal.
Eligible and interested people are invited to schedule a visit by calling 514 798-0541, extension 401.

If you live outside the Greater Montreal. visit the ministry of natural resources websiteÂ to know who is offering the service in your area.