Basic Energy Conservation Handbook

8/11/2019 Basic Energy Conservation Handbook

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ENERGYCONSERVATIONHANDBOOK



INTRODUCTION“ PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT —

WE’RE ALL IN THIS

TOGETHER



THE ENVIRONMENTThe air we breathe, the water we drink,the food we eat, and the energy we consume— these are our most precious and fragile

resources.

We all have an obligation, for ourselvesand for future generations, to do whateverwe can to reduce our impact on theenvironment – our carbon footprint. Thecarbon footprint is defined as a measureof the impact that human activities haveon the environment, and in particularclimate change. It relates to the amount of

greenhouse gases that we produce as wego about our daily lives producing food andgoods, driving vehicles, heating homes andusing electricity produced by burning fossilfuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.

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It may not seem like it, but every effort you make to reduce your energy use, no matter howbig or small, does make a difference. It has been proven that when all of our individual

efforts are combined, it has an impact. For example, Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief EnergyConservation Officer announced in his 2008 Annual Report: “The actions of Ontario’selectricity consumers achieved the province’s peak demand reduction target of 5% or1,350 megawatts by the end of 2007. The sustained efforts of governments, local utilities,consumers, delivery agents and the conservation service industry will help ensure thatOntario is on track to meet its long-term 6,300 megawatt peak demand reductiontarget – equivalent to taking one in five electricity users off the grid.”

YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT HAS

BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED. HERE ARESOME EXAMPLES:

• Carbon dioxide is the main contributor toclimate change, especially through theburning of fossil fuels. According to the DavidSuzuki Foundation, today’s atmospherecontains 32% more carbon dioxide than it didat the start of the industrial era.

• Environment Canada research shows that in

2006, Canada’s greenhouse gas emissionsamounted to 721 megatonnes of carbondioxide equivalent, which is 22% over 1990emission levels.

• The U.S. Energy Information Administrationhas estimated that the entire planet produced27 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2004.

• 20% of global greenhouse gas emissionscome from world agriculture. Primary

agriculture is responsible for about 12% ofCanada’s greenhouse gases.

• It’s been estimated that there are more than500 million cars on the road today. In Canada,15% of carbon dioxide emissions come fromlight-duty vehicles, a classification thatincludes SUVs.



If reducing your energy use and lowering your energy bills is your goal then this booklet willbe a key resource. It has been designed by your local utility as a handy, easy to follow, guideto saving energy year-round at your home or at work.This booklet contains a wide range oftopics so you can quickly find a particular area you may want to concentrate on during yourenergy saving efforts. We’ve given you ideas on what to do both inside and outside your home,and included a season-by-season guide. You will note that a number of tips, such as using

energy efficient lighting, are listed repeatedly throughout the booklet and in various topic areas.That’s because they are among the top ways to reduce your energy costs and play a key roleno matter which subject area you would like to concentrate on.

The hundreds of tips contained in this booklet have been compiled from a variety of reliablesources and are intended as a general guide. Whenever you undertake a major project toreduce your energy use, always do your homework before you begin, including seeking helpor advice from a reputable contractor or your local utility. Please note that the energy savingslisted with the tips in the booklet are estimates only and results will vary from person toperson.

Your local utility strongly supports building a “culture of conservation” because it’s good for theenvironment, reduces strain on the local electricity distribution system during periods of peak demand, and everyone benefits, now and in the future.

If you have any questions, look at the back of the booklet for information on how to contact yourlocal utility. We’re here to help.

ABOUT THIS BOOKLETHOW TO USE IT

TO YOUR

ADVANTAGE3



4

MEET THE

CONSERVER FAMILYENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY You are never too young or too old to do your part to conserve energy. Everyone in the familycan help out and that’s why we’ve introduced you to the Conserver Family. They are your guidesto getting everyone in your household involved. Throughout this booklet look for Joe, Jane,Meghan and Jordan and their energy saving tips for the whole family.

Conserver Joe - Joe is commonly referred to asthe “Action Man”. He’s the type of guy who doeseverything he can to help make his house asconserver-friendly as possible.

Conserver Jane - Jane is the brains behind theConserver Family. They depend on her researchskills to help them find the most effective ways toconserve energy.

Conserver Meghan - Meghan is the environmentallyfriendly conserver. She’s always on top of the mostrecent and most environmentally safe ways toconserve energy.

Conserver Jordan - Jordan is the electronics andtechnical conserver. Whether it relates to computersor home entertainment systems, Jordan has theknowledge to help you conserve better.



This booklet contains detailed information on a

wide variety of ways you can reduce your energy use,

but as a quick reference, here are the keyenergy conservation tips:

10WAYS

TO SAVE MONEY

TOP



1. Use Compact Fluorescent Light BulbsOne compact fluorescent light bulb(CFL) can save you three times its cost inelectricity. CFLs last up to 10 times longerthan incandescent bulbs and can use upto 75% less electricity. You can replacean incandescent 100 W light bulb with an18 W compact fluorescent.

2. Install a Programmable ThermostatIf you install a programmable thermostatwith a built-in timer, you can set it toautomatically lower the heat by a fewdegrees at night or when you are away. Ifyou have air conditioning, you can use thethermostat to turn it off or adjust thetemperature when you are not at home. Yourenergy savings will easily pay for the cost ofthe thermostat in the first year.

3. Remove/Replace Your Old SecondRefrigeratorIt may be convenient having an extrarefrigerator for refreshments, but old,

inefficient refrigerators can cost you wellover $10 a month in electricity. Therefrigerator is one of the biggest electricityusers in your home. If you do purchase anew one, be sure to check the EnerGuidelabel and look for the ENERGY STAR® labelso you are sure of energy savings whenmaking your buying decision.

4. Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water

You can save energy and money by washingall of your laundry in cold water. If youcurrently both wash and rinse in warm water,and you switch entirely to cold, you couldsave over $14 a month (based on electricwater heating).

5. Look for the ENERGY STAR®

Name and LabelENERGY STAR® is an international symbol

that identifies many energy efficientproducts in Canada, the United States,Japan, Australia and other countries. TheENERGY STAR® symbol helps businessesand consumers identify products that are atthe “top of their class” in terms of energyefficiency.

6. Eliminate Air LeaksDrafts around windows, doors, air vents andelectrical outlets can account for as much as25% of your total heating costs. That meansthere are significant savings available if youcaulk and weather-strip windows, doors,dryer vents, and buy insulated plates forelectrical outlets.

7. Install Insulation You can save energy and money byincreasing the amount of insulation in yourhome, to keep it warmer in the winter andcooler in the summer. The attic is a goodplace to start, because that area representsas much as 15% of your home’s overall heatloss.

8. Use Motion Sensor Switchesand TimersTo avoid leaving your outside lights on forlong periods of time, install a motion sensorthat turns the lights on automatically whensomeone approaches the house and then

turns the lights off after a pre-set period oftime. Install timers on selected lights to avoidleaving lights on around the clock and tomake your home look occupied when youare away.

9. Check Your WindowsCaulk and weather-strip around windowsto help prevent heat loss and use plasticwindow covers. Open your curtains and

blinds during the day to let the sun warm theroom, and then close them at night to reduceheat loss. In the summer time, close blindsand curtains during the day to reduce thecosts of keeping your home cool. If you canafford it, upgrade the windows in your homewith ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency windows.

10. Use LED Seasonal LightingUsing LED lights both inside and outside your

home, during the holiday season, is a greatway to conserve energy and save money.LED lights use up to 95% less energy andlast at least 7 times longer than regularlights. There are no filaments or glass bulbsto break, and they produce very little heat.Seasonal LED bulbs come in a variety ofshapes and colours.

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10 TOP

CHECKYOUR

WINDOWS

INSTALLINSULATION

INSTALLMOTIONSENSOR

SWITCHESAND TIMERS

CAULK ANDWEATHER-STRIP DOORS

REPLACE OLD FRIDGES

WAYS

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8

TO MAKE YOUR HOME

ENERGY EFFICIENT

WASHYOURLAUNDRYIN COLDWATER

LOOK FOR THEENERGY STAR®

NAME AND LABEL

INSTALL APROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

USE COMPACTFLUORESCENTLIGHT BULBS

USE LEDSEASONALLIGHTING



HOW YOU CANCONSERVE ENERGY AND

SAVE

MONEY



LIGHTING

On average, lighting in your home represents 17% of your total monthly energy costs. Overthe course of a year the savings will add up if you take the time to look very closely at howyou are lighting each room, including the fixtures or lamps being used and the type of bulbs.

The easiest way to conserve energy is to simply remember to turn lights off when not in use.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS:

• Replace your incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs). They last up to 10 times longer and can use up to 75% less electricity.

• The vast majority of energy in an incandescent light bulb is wasted as heat with only about2% of the electrical energy converted into light.

• Some incandescent bulbs have been made more efficient by reducing the wattage. Look for

these energy-saving replacement bulbs: 34W for a 40W; 52W for a 60W; 90W for a 100W.

• Compared to incandescent, halogen bulbs are more expensive to purchase, but theyproduce a whiter light, last 2 to 4 times longer, and use about 40% less energy to producethe same light. Halogens are a good replacement for outdoor flood and spotlights.

• Be aware that incandescent bulbs known as "long-life" or "extended life" do last a longtime but give 30% less light while using the same amount of energy.

• Avoid using multiple-light fixtures. Four 25 W light bulbs give off only 2/3 of the light of one100 W bulb yet use the same 100 W of energy.

• Replace standard on/off switches with a dimmer. They reduce light level, save energy andextend bulb life (special dimmable CFLs are now available).

• Install timers on selected lights to make your home look occupied when you are away andavoid leaving lights on around the clock.

• Light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs are the newest technology on the market andalthough expensive and sometimes hard to find, offer an alternative to CFLs, halogens, andincandescent bulbs.

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“I pledge to be a conservation role model for my family and friends.”

CONSERVER JANE SAYS:



APPLIANCES

It’s estimated that over 45% of the electricity consumed in an average home is used by thesix major appliances – refrigerator, freezer, electric stove/oven, dishwasher, clothes dryer

and washer. If you are shopping for a new major appliance, there are two costs to consider.There’s the actual purchase price of the appliance and the cost of energy to run it. Since thecost of energy is something that represents hundreds of dollars over the life of the appliance,choosing an energy efficient model should be a key part of your purchase decision.

Look for the EnerGuide label: EnerGuide is a Government of Canada program designedto help consumers purchase the most energy-efficient household appliances on the market.The EnerGuide label will tell you the amount of electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh) that theappliance is expected to use in one full year, and shows where the model you are consideringranks in comparison to appliances of similar size and type.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label: ENERGY STAR® is an international symbol thatidentifies many energy efficient products in Canada.The ENERGY STAR® symbol helpsbusinesses and consumers identify products that are at the “top of their class” in terms ofenergy efficiency.

There’s detailed information on the EnerGuide Program, ENERGY STAR® and other consumerprograms available through the Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) at Natural ResourcesCanada. It’s available on-line at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.

REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

• It may be convenient having an extra refrigerator, but old, inefficient refrigerators can costover $10 a month in electricity to operate. So there is substantial energy savings availableby getting rid of an old second refrigerator or freezer. You can do it for free under the GreatRefrigerator Roundup, a Program offered by your local utility in partnership with the OntarioPower Authority (OPA). For more information contact your local utility, visit their website, orgo to www.everykilowattcounts.com.

• The temperature in your refrigerator should be between 2°C and 5°C.

• The refrigerator should be full but not overloaded because it needs air circulation tooperate efficiently.

• A faulty door seal can cost you hundreds of kilowatt-hours in electricity a year. Test the sealon a regular basis by closing the fridge door over a piece of paper. If you can pull the paperout easily, the door seal needs to be fixed or replaced.

• Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils (back) and air intake grill (below the doors) every 3 months.

• The temperature of your freezer should be at -18°C. It will use almost 2% more electricityfor each degree below -18°C.

• Freezers are most efficient when they are full, but not overloaded. Keep them welldefrosted. Regularly vacuum up the dust on the back and underneath your freezer.

• Keep a space of at least five centimetres all around your freezer so heat will be able to moveaway from the compressor and condensing coil.

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STOVES

• About 20% of an oven’s heat is lost when you open the door, so a stove with a window ismore energy efficient.

• It is not always necessary to preheat your oven.

• Microwave ovens, toaster ovens, and slow cookers use less energy than electric stoves forcooking small amounts of food.

• Stoves with the convection feature can be an energy saver. They still require a heatingelement, but they also incorporate a fan that blows air around inside the oven. This methodmeans shorter cooking times at lower temperatures.

• Self-cleaning ranges are more energy efficient than regular models because they have moreoven insulation. Use the self-cleaning feature right after cooking when the oven is alreadyhot.

• Keep the range filter clean.

• An electric kettle uses half the energy required to boil water compared to using a stove element.

• Use the stovetop element that matches the size of the pot or pan you are using and use lidsthat fit snugly.

MICROWAVES

• There are many tasks a microwave can do better, faster and with less energy than the stove,such as cooking smaller portions of food.

• A microwave uses up to 50% less energy than a conventional electric stove because theenergy goes into heating the food, not the oven.

• Microwaves do not require preheating, which saves a lot of energy.

• Because cooking with a microwave won’t heat up your kitchen, it will reduce the amount ofair conditioning you will need on hot summer days.

• To ensure the microwave operates efficiently, leave sufficient space at the top, side andback for the air vents.

• Clean the microwave on a regular basis and make sure the door seals are in good condition.

• For large quantities of liquids, like soups or stews, the stovetop element is twice as efficient as

the microwave.

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“I commit to purchasing energy efficient appliances because

refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers are the largest users

of electricity in my home.”

CONSERVER JOE SAYS:



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CLOTHES WASHERS AND DRYERS

• A high efficiency front load clothes washer can use as much as 50% less energy and 35– 50% less water per load than the average conventional model.

• Wash your laundry in cold water. If you’re currently washing and rinsing in warm water and

you switch entirely to cold, you could save over $14 a month, based on electric waterheating. The vast majority of energy used for washing clothes is to heat the water.

• Wash full loads. The same amount of energy is needed for a full load as a single item.

• Dry full loads in your dryer, but don’t overload because it makes the dryer work longerand wastes energy.

• Use a clothesline to dry your clothes instead of a dryer and reduce your electricity costs.

• Sort clothes into heavy, medium and lightweight loads. The lighter loads will dry faster thanmixed loads.

• Do consecutive loads to take advantage of the retained heat in the dryer.

• Clean the lint filter after every load because a clogged lint filter can increase energy useby up to 30%.

• If you are purchasing a new dryer, look for a model with a temperature sensor that shutsthe dryer off when it senses that the clothes are dry.

DISHWASHERS

• Approximately 5% of household water is used for washing dishes and running dishwashers.Wait until the dishwasher is full before you wash.

• Less energy is used if the drying cycle is eliminated. Look for an energy-saver switch thatturns off the heating element allowing the dishes to air dry.

• About 85% of a dishwasher’s electricity is used to heat the water so look for a short-cycleor econowash feature.

• To ensure the dishwasher is working efficiently, clean the drains and filters on a regular basis.

WATER HEATER

• The water heater is the second largest energy user in your home and accounts forapproximately 11% of an average energy bill.

• If purchasing a new water heater, or arranging a rental, look for a highly insulated tank.

• Wrap the hot water pipes with pipe insulation. It will reduce the conduction of heat throughthe pipes and allow you to lower the temperature of the tank which results in energy savings.

• Have your tank serviced on a regular basis by a qualified technician to ensure it’soperating efficiently.

• Installing a special tank jacket over an electric water heater can reduce its electricity use.



COMPUTERS AND AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT

If you think about all of the audio-visual equipment around your home it’s easy to see whythe energy consumption by televisions, home theatre systems, sound systems, gameplayers, DVD and Blu-ray machines, computers and printers, all have an impact on youroverall energy costs.

• The best way to reduce the energy used by the entertainment and computer equipment inyour home is to turn them off when they are not in use. But remember that most of theequipment continues to draw power even when switched off because they go into “standby”mode. As much as 20% of the electricity used by electronic equipment is lost while they aresitting in the “standby” mode.

• Your TV, DVD and Blue-ray player, game console, cable/ HD/ satellite box, and audiosystem(s) represent approximately 60% of the “standby” electricity losses in your home.

• In order to save the energy used in the “standby” mode, turn off the source of theelectricity that powers the unit, unless retaining a memory, timer or clock is important. Keepthe on-off switches to power bars accessible so the equipment can be shut off when not inuse. Or you can install on-off timers.

• Laptop computers use substantially less energy than standard desktop computers.

• Turn both your computer and monitor off when not in use. A personal computer usesonly one second of running-time energy when starting up. The screen-saver doesn'tsave energy. It’s estimated that a continuously running computer and monitor could costapproximately $250 per year.

• If you don’t want to turn your computer off then make sure the “sleep” mode is enabledwhich cuts energy use to less than half. Be sure to at least shut off the monitor because ituses 60% of the power used by a computer!

• The bigger the monitor, the more energy it consumes. Flat-panel liquid crystal display (LCD)monitors use less electricity than comparably sized CRT models.

• Choose the right printer for your needs. Ink-jet printers use 90% less energy than laserprinters.

• Look around and see how many of those “transformer cubes” are plugged into outletsto convert the current for various electronic equipment like cordless phones, batterychargers, flashlights, and hand vacuums. Many homes have as many as ten transformers andthat kind of energy use starts to add up.

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“I promise to remember to turn off the computer, TV

and game console when not in use."

CONSERVER JORDAN SAYS:



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WATER CONSERVATIONConserving electricity is very important, but reducing your water use is also a good way todo your part for the environment. If you properly manage your water use it will help lower youroverall utility costs.

• Check every faucet carefully to make sure it is not leaking. A dripping faucet could leak as much as 100 litres of water over a 24 hour period, or 3,000 litres a month. It’s beenestimated that one leaky tap could waste enough water in one year to fill two swimmingpools!

• Check for leaks in your toilet tank. Put some food colouring in the tank. If, withoutflushing, colour appears in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.

A silent toilet leak can waste up to 45L/hr.

• The toilet uses a lot of water. Older model toilets can use between 13 and 26 litres of water

per flush. Using a low-flow, 6 litre per flush model, a family of four can save up to 80,000 litresof water a year, which is a 20% reduction in household consumption. There are high efficiencymodels that will save even more. If you can’t afford a new toilet, a toilet dam or waterdisplacement device will help reduce the amount of water used with each flush.

• Use an aerator and/or a water-flow reducer in your sink faucet.

• When hand washing the dishes, or vegetables, don’t run the water continuously. Wash ina partially filled sink and then rinse under the tap or use the spray attachment.

• Keep a jug or bottle of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until the watergets cold.

• Install low-flow showerheads and reduce your shower time. If you shorten your shower timefrom 10 to 5 minutes or less while using a low-flow showerhead, you could save as muchas 40 litres of water each time you shower.

• When washing, shaving or brushing your teeth, don’t run the water continuously.

• Consider installing an on-demand hot water system.

• Dishwashers use large volumes of water, about 60 litres of water per load, so alwaysoperate the dishwasher at full capacity or set the water level to match the size of the load.

• Reduce the use of the sink garbage disposal because it consumes hundreds of litres ofwater a week to send matter down the drain. Compost as much kitchen waste as possible,either by putting it in a backyard compost unit or by putting it out for organic collection, ifavailable in your area.

• Washing machines use anywhere between 100 to 200 litres of water per load.Always use

the washing machine at full capacity. If your machine has a “suds-saver” feature, use itbecause it reuses the clean rinse for the next load.

“Kids have power too. I get lots of ideas from Natural Resources Canada's Kids Club:

www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/calendarclub. Also visit Eco Kids at www.ecokids.ca”

CONSERVER MEGHAN SAYS:



IN AND AROUND THE HOUSEThroughout this booklet you will find hundreds of useful tips listed under various categories,including a season-by-season checklist, to conserve energy and reduce water use in andaround your house. Review them all to help make the most efficient use of your energybudget. Here are some of the key ideas:

• Have a home energy audit done by an NRCan-licenced energy auditor which will provideyou with a detailed action plan and related costs to help make your home as energy efficientas possible. There will be a number of companies in your area qualified to do a homeenergy audit for a fee. The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program will help pay for a homeenergy audit and you could qualify for provincial rebates to match the Government ofCanada's ecoENERGY program rebates for efficiency upgrades. For detailed information visitwww.homeenergyontario.ca or call 1-888-668-4636.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs.

• Only use energy efficient-rated appliances, electronics and tools.

• Install lights with motion sensors at the front and back of the house for security and so theoutside lights will only go on when required.

• During the holidays, use LED lights both inside and outside. They are available for bothinternal and external use and are available in a variety of shapes and colours.

• Use solar power for outside lighting needs, including ponds and fountains, sidewalks

and patios, and storage sheds. Consider installing solar panels to help offset lighting andheating costs inside your home.

• Weather stripping and caulking around windows, doors, dryer vents, and insulated platesfor outlets will quickly pay for itself in energy savings.

• Make sure all exterior walls, ceilings or roof areas are insulated to meet or exceedgovernment standards. There are a number of different types of insulation available on themarket, including fibreglass and foam, so shop around for the solution that best fits yourneeds. It’s been estimated there’s a potential saving of up to 30% of your heating costs if you

insulate your ceilings.

• Shut the door to unused rooms and if possible reduce the heat to them.

• A pane of glass will lose approximately 12 times as much heat as an insulated wall in thesame area. Windows should have double glass panes.

• Clean or change the filter and have the furnace serviced by a qualified technician on aregular basis to ensure it’s working efficiently. The electric fans in oil and gas furnacesconsume about 13% of the home’s electricity. A dirty filter reduces airflow and makes the

furnace work even harder. If you have central air conditioning, also have it serviced on aregular basis.

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“For every degree Celsius you have the thermostat set above

20 degrees your heating costs rise approximately 5%.”

CONSERVER JANE SAYS:



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• Fireplaces and wood burning stoves have a lot of positives in terms of personal enjoymentand offsetting your home heating costs, but there are a number of negatives to keep in mind,particularly if they are not installed or used properly. Ensure that your fireplace or wood stove,when not in use, isn’t allowing a draft into the house. Even a closed damper lets a smallamount of air into the house, so you may want to consider glass doors. Don’t burn green orwet wood, pressure-treated or painted wood, particleboard, plywood and cardboard.

• Non-combustable materials from fireplaces and wood stoves are a major polluter. Advanced combustion technology developed to reduce emissions from wood stoves is nowbeing incorporated into new fireplaces and is available in a form that can be installed in anexisting fireplace. For more information visit the Natural Resources Canada website atwww.nrcan.gc.ca

• If you have a pool and/or hot tub, install a timer so the pump runs only during off-peak hours(10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Use a combination of a solar heat and solar blanket to keep the waterwarm.

APARTMENT / TOWNHOUSE / CONDOMINIUM

If you rent or lease your living space, you may be responsible for the utility costs. If so, manyof the tips throughout this booklet will be helpful in reducing your monthly expenses. Evenif utility costs are included in your rent, doing whatever you can to save energy is good forthe environment and helps lower your property owner’s overall costs, which ultimatelyimpacts on the rental rates charged. Talk to your fellow tenants and the property manager

about how everyone can work together to reap the benefits of energy conservation.Meantime, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Turn off lights when not in use and replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.

• Make sure there are good curtains and shades on the windows that can be used toreduce or block sunlight and heat during the summer, and keep the heat in during the winter.

• If your apartment or townhouse has a thermostat that allows you to control the heat inyour unit, it provides a great opportunity to conserve energy. The commonly recommended

settings are 20°C (68°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night. Consider talking to theproperty manager about installing a programmable thermostat. If the type of heating in yourunit leaves the air very dry, use a humidifier because properly humidified air feels warmerand allows you to turn your thermostat down.

• If your unit has radiators, keep them clean because dirt and dust absorb heat. Radiatorcovers should be removed when radiators are in use because the covers absorb heat andblock the flow of air through the radiator.

• Check the windows and the outside door to your unit to make sure they’re weatherproofed.

Without proper weather stripping your apartment will lose warm air to the hallway or to theoutdoors. If the windows are not properly weatherproofed, talk to the property manager to seeif you can work together on a solution that saves energy and reduces heating and coolingcosts.



• Window and wall mounted air conditioners, if not properly sealed, let in a draft during thewinter and present a cold surface. If you can’t remove the unit and close the window, use anoutdoor air conditioner cover. If you can’t safely reach the outside of your unit, use an indoorcover. During the summer, use a fan instead of an air conditioner whenever possible.

• A kitchen exhaust fan allows warm air to escape so if your unit has one, use a cover when

the exhaust is not in use.

• It may be difficult to do if you live in a small unit, but if possible arrange the furniture sothat it’s not blocking or obstructing heat vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters. If forced airenters your apartment through a register that has to be under a piece of furniture becauseof space restrictions or required layout, attach an air deflector to the vent to direct the airwhere you need it.

• If you are renting, paying for utilities, and don’t own the appliances, check how old theyare. Older stoves and refrigerators can use up to twice the power of newer, energy-efficient

models. Talk to the property manager to see if newer appliances can be installed.

AT WORK

Does your place of work have someone who is responsible for energy conservation? Is therean energy conservation team or committee? If not, suggest it and perhaps volunteer to helpout. Offices, industries and businesses require a lot of energy to operate and it’s importantthat everyone, no matter what position they hold, do their part to conserve energy,

particularly during periods of peak demand. Here are some general tips for the workplace:

• There are a variety of programs available to help businesses of all sizes reduce theirenergy requirements and save on their overhead costs. Contact your local utility forinformation on how to access these programs. You can also contact the Ontario Power

Authority (OPA) at 1-877-797-9473 or visit www.powerauthority.on.ca.

• Take public transit or car pool to work.

• Whenever possible, use the stairs instead of the elevator. You would be doing your part to

save energy and exercising at the same time!

• Turn off the lights when an area is no longer in use, such as a meeting room. Turn off allunnecessary lights when you leave for the day.

• Unless they are required to stay on, turn off office equipment such as computers,monitors, printers and fax machines when not in use or during weekends. Make sure the“sleep” mode is enabled on computer monitors so they will power down when not used fora pre-set period of time. The screen saver does not save energy.

• If you are involved or have any input into purchasing new equipment, encourage purchasesof ENERGY STAR® rated electronics.

• Many businesses still use a lot of paper unnecessarily, so a lot of energy can be saved ifeveryone prints what’s only required. Use recycled paper. Print double-sided whenever possible.

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• Recycle whatever you can. If there’s no recycling container in your work area or office, thecopy room, cafeteria or break rooms, ask for one. If your workplace doesn’t have a recyclingprogram, suggest it and perhaps volunteer to get it started.

• Make sure the coffee machines are turned off at the end of the workday. Get your own mug,plate and utensils and re-use them instead of using disposable cups and plastic knives, forks

and spoons.

WHILE ON VACATION

It’s holiday time and while it’s nice to get away, it would also be nice to be able to save somemoney on the energy bill when no one is home. Here are some tips to help you reduceenergy use when you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time:

• The refrigerator is the largest user of electricity in both vacant and occupied homes.If you have a second, older refrigerator you should consider getting rid of it because it couldbe costing as much as $10 a month to run. If not, empty and unplug it while you’re away.

• Use timers on various lights, set to different on/off times, for both security and to avoidleaving lights on around the clock. If an internal light must be kept on all the time while youare away, use a compact fluorescent bulb. Install motion sensors at the front and rear ofyour home for security.

• If you're away during the winter, program the thermostat to hold at 16-18°C (60-64°F). In

the summer, turn off the air conditioner or set it at 28°C (82°F)

• Check the instructions for your water heater because some units have a “vacation” setting.

• If you have a waterbed, be aware it’s a major energy guzzler. Lower the temperature andcover the bed with two extra quilts to act as insulation.

• All of the electronics and appliances in your home (e.g. TV, DVD player, computer, coffeemaker, battery charger) draw a small, constant amount of electricity, even when they are inthe “off” mode. Unplug as many as you can.

• If you have a pool or a hot tub, make sure they are covered and there are timers on thepumps.

• While away on vacation, don’t forget to take your energy conservation habits with you. Ifeveryone does their part, no matter where they are, it all adds up.

"Ask your parents to hold a family energy conservation meeting

so everyone in the family can share their ideas and promise to

do their part to help the environment."

CONSERVER MEGHAN SAYS:



THE EDUCATED

CONSUMERTIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE

ENERGY-EFFICIENTAND GREENER CHOICES

PLUSWHERE YOU CAN GET MORE

INFORMATION



SMART METERS

By 2010, every home and small business in Ontario will be equipped with a smart meter,providing consumers with an important tool to help manage their electricity use.

Old-style meters only measure the total amount of electricity used in a billing period, usuallyone or two months, so you do not have the ability to track your electricity consumption. Smartmeters measure how much energy you use on an hourly basis and what time of day you usedit. Your electricity bill will show how much electricity was used within each time-of-use (TOU)period.

Once you have a smart meter, electricity prices under time-of-use (TOU) will vary based onwhen the electricity is used, including time of day, day of the week (weekday or weekend) andby season (summer, winter).

A smart meter has a number of significant benefits for consumers:

• No more estimated electricity bills. A smart meter can automatically record your totalconsumption hour by hour and will be able to send the information to your local utility viawireless or other technologies. You will have a precise measurement of your electricity useto help you take action to conserve energy during periods of peak demand in your home.

• You can reduce your energy costs by shifting some of your heavier electricity usageto periods when the TOU rates are lower. For example, do laundry on weekends, turnthe dishwasher on after 10 p.m., set the air conditioning to shut off or to come on at a higher

temperature when you are not at home during the day.

More information on smart meters is available on your utility’s website, from the Ministry ofEnergy’s smart meter website (www.smartmetersontario.ca) and from the Ontario EnergyBoard (www.oeb.gov.on.ca).

PRODUCTS IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE

By carefully considering the types of products that you purchase and how you use them inand around the house, you can help do your part in reducing the amount of energy requiredto manufacture and distribute those products, and help the environment at the same time:

• Do a personal audit of all the appliances, tools and products in and around your home,including the garage and/or gardening and tool sheds. How many of them are energyefficient and/or environmentally friendly? There are thousands of environmentally friendlyhome products on the market that are affordable on most household budgets. Thisincludes all types of household paper materials as well as products for cleaning and laundry.

• Read the label on the package of each product you buy to see if it’s environmentally friendly.Many products manufactured from materials not considered harmful to the environment nowhave that fact prominently labelled on the package. As well, many retailers have areas setaside specifically for environmentally friendly products.

• Before you buy a product, check the packaging to see whether it was made from recycledmaterials. If it’s not, look for the same product at a comparable price, but in recycledpackaging.

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• When shopping for new appliances and electronics, look for ENERGY STAR® labelledproducts to ensure they are the most energy efficient on the market. Only manufacturersand retailers whose products meet the criteria can use the label.

• Many owners, if they are able, are using special stoves that burn alternate fuels as a wayto help reduce the cost of heating by furnace alone. Alternate fuels range from dried corn

kernels to cherry pits, but the most popular is a pellet created from compacted sawdust andother organic materials. Looking much like traditional wood burning stoves, pellet stoves arehighly efficient for heating rooms.

• When the weather is nice, cook outside as much as possible. There are a wide variety ofenergy efficient outdoor cooking appliances on the market, from barbeques to fryers, ovensand smokers. Some outdoor appliances are even available with solar panels to help gatherenergy for cooking.

• Cordless tools and equipment save energy and are good for the environment. Battery

charging systems can be used to recharge a variety of cordless products, includinglawnmowers, weed trimmers, hand-held snow blowers, power tools, small householdappliances, and personal care products like electric shavers.

SOLAR

Why not use a natural source to help reduce your energy use and save money on yourenergy bill? As the use of solar energy for power and to heat homes grows in popularity, so

too does the amount of information, research and products available to consumers who areconsidering using the technology. While the use of solar power has been around for along time, you will find that the advancements in the panels and storage systems makeexploring use of solar a viable alternative source of energy.

• There’s a wide variety of solar-powered products on the market for use in and around thehouse. Solar lights can be used along driveways, sidewalks and gardens. They will light upthe patio area and the backyard shed.

• Solar panels are available in various sizes. Portable solar chargers can be used for lawn

and garden equipment, motorcycles, personal watercraft, ATVs, snowmobiles and tractors.

• Use a combination of a solar heater and a solar blanket to keep the water in the swimmingpool warm.

• The pumps for backyard ponds and fountains can be operated on solar power.

• Information on solar power research and the provincial goal of 100,000 solar roofs isavailable from the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (www.energy.gov.on.ca).

• Other sources of information include the Solar Energy Society of Canada, a non-profitorganization that advances the awareness, understanding and use of solar energy in Canada(www.sesci.ca) and the Canadian Solar Industries Association, a not-for-profit associationof individuals, companies and governments sharing an interest in solar technology(www.cansia.ca).



LAWNS AND GARDENS

One of the key ways we can do our part to help the environment and reduce energy use ishow we care for our lawns and gardens:

• During the summer, your lawn requires 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water (including rainfall) once aweek. Use a tuna can or rain gauge to measure how much you are watering. Don’t cut yourgrass too short because the roots will have to work harder and you will have to watermore frequently. Your lawn will be healthier if the grass is not cut lower than 7 – 8 cms(approximately 3 inches). Leave the grass clippings on the lawn for added nutrients.

• Many municipalities have water use restrictions during summer months. Follow the rulesand do your part to conserve water.

• Water your lawn and garden in the morning. If you water during the heat of the day a lot

of the water will simply evaporate before entering the lawn. When watering in the evening,the grass blades get most of the water, rather than the soil.

• Purchase a rain barrel made of recycled plastic and place under the eavestrough ordownspout to collect rainwater for use in the garden.

• Use a low-flow nozzle on your garden hose.

• If you’re doing some landscaping, use drought-tolerant plants, flowers and mulch to holdin moisture. If you cover your garden soil with mulch, such as woodchips, you will prevent

the majority of the moisture being lost to evaporation.

• Use the material from a backyard composter on lawns and in the garden. Manymunicipalities offer free compost.

• If you have the available property and the ability to do it, plant deciduous (leafy) trees onthe south side of your home to keep it cool during the summer months and plant coniferoustrees (fir, pine) on the north side to help block out the wind during the winter.

• Use organic lawn fertilizers and make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions

on how to use. Many experts say organic maintenance involves three tasks: aerating,top dressing and fertilizing.

• Many municipalities have banned the cosmetic use of pesticides. There are organic pestcontrol products available or you can consult with a lawn care specialist who providesorganic solutions.

• They’re not for everyone, but using one of the new style push mowers to cut your lawnmeans no gas fume pollution and no electricity use. If not, consider using a cordless lawnmower and trimmer.

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“Before you begin any renovation work on your home, make sure

you find out what programs are available to help you with the

project. Contact your local utility for information.”

CONSERVER JOE SAYS:



24

RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING

The three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – are more important now than ever before aswe all work together to conserve our dwindling natural resources, reduce our demand forenergy produced by environmentally harmful technologies, and reduce the amount of wastegoing into landfills. There is ongoing research into waste conversion technologies, butultimately not producing waste is the best bet for the environment.

• Support your local waste management program by fully participating in available curbsidecollection, whether it’s blue box, grey box or green bin pickup. Your local municipal office orwebsite will have detailed information on the curbside collection schedule in your area.

• If your municipality has a curbside organics collection program, use it as much as you canand you will see a substantial reduction in the amount of garbage you put out every week headed for the landfill. There are special collection days or drop-off locations for items around

your home that should not be thrown out with the regular waste, can be refurbished andre-used, recycled and/or must be recycled in a special manner, or is hazardous to theenvironment and must be disposed of properly. This includes tires and car batteries,rechargeable batteries, computer equipment, paints and CFLs.

• If curbside organics collection is not available, use a backyard composter, or perhaps youcan take advantage of both.

• Use biodegradable paper bags instead of plastic for your waste.

• When shopping, avoid using plastic bags to carry your purchases home. Ask for paperbags, if available, use a recycled cardboard box, or take along your own re-usable tote. It’sbeen estimated that Canadians take home more than 55 million shopping bags every week!

• Be aware of your role in producing eWaste. eWaste is the term for the overwhelmingamount of TVs, computers, printers, cell phones, entertainment equipment and homeappliances that are entering landfills due to continual advancements in technology. By 2010,Environment Canada estimates 206,000 tonnes of eWaste will be discarded. Unfortunately,only 27% of eWaste is reused or recycled.

FOOD

The food we eat, whether at home or away, takes energy to produce and to package, andhas a significant impact on the environment. There are things you can do to help lessen thatimpact.

• A large amount of consumer food packaging is still not being recycled. Don’t simply throwa food package into the garbage. Check and see if it can go in the recycling container. While

shopping, check the package to ensure it’s made from recycled materials.

• Carefully read the label of all packaged food products and the product information chartsposted in the store. Learn about where and how the products you normally purchase aremade and packaged, or how the fruit or vegetable is grown. Are there healthier or moreenvironmentally friendly choices that fit within your budget?



• Organically grown food is growing in popularity and is now offered at many retail outlets.The Canadian government has an Organic Products Regulation Program to regulatecertification in Canada for organic products. Details are available from the Canadian FoodInspection Agency (www.inspection.gc.ca).

• Many retail outlets have information available to customers on their environmentally friendly

products and you can contact local health organizations. There’s information on food andfood safety, as well as agricultural, environmental and energy reduction farming practicesavailable from Health Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,Food and Rural Affairs (www.omafra.gov.on.ca).

TRANSPORTATION

It’s well documented on how our transportation needs burn energy and harm the environment.Getting from one place to another is a necessity for most people, but we can all make adifference if we make changes, big or small, to why we do it, how we do it and how often wedo it.

• The use of fuel by the transportation we use – cars, trucks, aviation – is a majorworldwide contributor of greenhouse gases. It may seem insignificant, but every avoidabletrip in a vehicle you make does make a difference.

• Whenever possible use public transit, car-pool, vehicle sharing, or ride a bike.

• Don’t leave your vehicle idling for any reason. Idling for any more than ten seconds usesmore gas than it would take to restart the engine.

• Keep the tires on your vehicle properly inflated because it does make a difference in fuelconsumption. Studies done by Transport Canada show that 70% of the tires on the road areunder-inflated.

• For many people, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle they own or lease is an importantconsideration because of the volatile nature of gas prices and a greater appreciation of theenvironment. When shopping for a vehicle, ask questions about fuel consumption because

it varies from vehicle to vehicle based on a number of factors.

• Hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity. A hybrid is a vehicle that uses two or more powersources including rechargeable battery, gas or diesel fuel, and hydrogen. There is a majoreffort underway by governments and manufacturers to get more electric vehicles on the roadand at affordable prices.

• A four-stroke motorboat engine uses only half the fuel of a two-stroke engine.

25

“Do a search and you will find lots of internet sites where kids

can go to learn about conservation and have some fun doing it.

Try www.everykilowattcounts.ca/kids.”

CONSERVER JORDAN SAYS:



• Multiple power cords plugged into a singleoutlet are both an electrical shock and afire hazard. Use certified power bars with

surge protection for computers, printers andentertainment systems.

• If you have young children in your home,install safety plugs in all unused outlets.

• Do not remove the 3rd prong on anextension cord. It’s a grounding wire and isthere to help prevent or minimize shocks.

• Don’t use extension cords in place ofpermanent wiring and never run cords for

appliances under rugs or furniture.• Never leave a space heater unattended orleave children or pets alone in a room with aspace heater.

CFL SAFETY

Just like batteries, compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) should be disposed of safely.

According to Natural Resources Canada(NRCan), the average mercury content in aCFL is about 3 milligrams – roughly theamount it would take to cover the tip of aballpoint pen. Disposal programs areavailable in some municipalities and NRCansays governments are working with CFLmanufacturers and major Canadian retailersto expand recycling options.

If you do accidentally break a CFL, openwindows to disperse any vapours, carefullyclean up the fragments while wearing glovesor using a damp paper towel, place thefragments in a sealable plastic bag anddispose of properly.

That old, inefficient second fridge of yours is wasting between $120 - $150 per yearin electricity. Call 1-877-797-9473 to book an appointment today and we will comepick it up for FREE – we will even haul it out of your basement for you.Then we willtake care of it in an environmentally responsible manner.

With 60% of your yearly electricity bill going toward heating and cooling your home,it makes good sense to look for ways to reduce your usage and your bills. If you’relooking to replace your old air conditioning system or thinking of having aprogrammable thermostat or new furnace installed, we have attractive rebates tohelp you do just that.

Sign up for peaksaver® and receive a cool $25.*Joining the peaksaver® program means you can help reduce the demand forelectricity in your community. And you'll feel great knowing you're doing somethinggood for the environment. ® Trademark of Toronto Hydro Corporation. Used under license.* Offer may var y by s ervice provider.

Interested in energy conservation for business?Visit www.everykilowattcounts.ca

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OPA RESIDENTIALPROGRAMS

A FEW

SAFETY TIPS

For more information on CFLs and CFL safety go to

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/business/manufacturers/light.cfm?attr=12



SPRINGWinter is finally over and the season of renewal is underway. Spring is a good time toprepare and launch your year-round plan to reduce your energy consumption. The key to arealistic energy savings program is to keep it simple to start and then build from there. Forexample, walk around your home and make a list of the easy improvements you can do byyourself at little expense. As well, take note of the major energy saving jobs that are long-term and may require expert help, such as replacing windows.

SPRING CHECKLIST

Walk around the house and look for any winter damage to window caulking and sealing.

Hot weather is on the way so make sure your air conditioner is serviced and ready to go.

Consider installing ceiling fans to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Check outdoor lighting fixtures for winter damage. Clean fixture covers and confirm you

are using energy efficient bulbs.

Install motion sensor lights or programmable timers for outdoor lights.

Clean or change furnace filters.

If you have central air conditioning, seal the seams of accessible furnace ducting with duct

tape to ensure more cooled air reaches its destination. Vacuum the condenser coils on your refrigerator and freezer.

Turn off the power at the panel and vacuum lint from the clothes dryer motor, drum and

exhaust hose.

SUMMER

The lazy days of summer are not the time to get lazy about saving energy. During periods ofhot weather your energy usage climbs substantially, especially if you use air conditioning, adehumidifier, or have a backyard pool. Appliances, like a refrigerator, must work harder tomaintain a set temperature during hot weather.

SUMMER CHECKLIST

Use low voltage or solar outdoor lighting for landscaping.

The same insulation in your attic that keeps you warm in winter also keeps you cool in

summer. Make sure you add attic vents so hot air can escape.

Use curtains or blinds to shade windows. You could consider installing awnings.

Whenever possible, use the microwave or barbeque instead of the stove.

Use a ceiling fan alone or in conjunction with an air conditioner to help circulate cooled air.

Put a timer on room air conditioners if there's no one at home during the day.

If you have central air conditioning, maintain the temperature between 24°C (74°F) and

26°C (78°F). Install a programmable thermostat with a built-in timer. You can set it to turn

off the AC when you leave for the day and then turn it back on before you return.

Put your swimming pool filter on a timer or turn it off on cooler summer nights.

Use a solar blanket to keep swimming pool water warm overnight.

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A SEASON BY ENERGY CONSERVATION

CHECKLISTSEASON



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FALL

The leaves are changing colour, the days are shorter, and cold weather is on the way. It's animportant time to do all of your preparations, inside and out, for the winter months ahead.When it comes to conserving energy and reducing your energy bill, the work you do in the

fall to get ready for the winter may be the most important of the year.

FALL CHECKLIST

Drafts around windows, doors, air vents and electrical outlets can account for 25% of total

annual heating costs.

Use heat-shrink plastic to act as inside storm windows.

Check your insulation. The attic is the first place to consider for more insulation

because that area can represent as much as 15% of your home's overall heat loss.

Arrange the yearly maintenance check on your furnace by an expert to ensure it's

working at peak efficiency for the winter ahead. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat.

Save on your water-heating bill by insulating at least the first two metres (six feet) of the

hot water pipe and the first metre (3 feet) of the cold water pipe that extends from your

hot water tank. You can also wrap an insulating blanket around your water heater.

If possible, drain water through the faucet at the bottom of the water heater to remove

sediment that reduces its energy-efficiency. It’s always a good idea to have an expert

technician do a maintenance check on your hot water heater to ensure it is working at

peak efficiency.

WINTER

As the temperature outside drops, your energy consumption climbs. However, once winterweather sets in, the preparations you made during the fall will start to pay off. There are stilllots of things you can do inside to improve your home's energy efficiency.

WINTER CHECKLIST

Check for drafts around windows, doors and electrical outlets. Installing an outlet andswitch sealer kit will prevent cold air from entering through electric outlets and switches.

Open your curtains and blinds to let the sun warm the room, and then close them at

night to reduce heat loss through windows.

Temperature levels in your home are a matter of individual choice, but the most commonly

recommended settings are 20°C (68°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) for sleeping

and 16°C (61°F) when you are away from home.

Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature settings.

Properly humidified air feels warmer and allows you to turn your thermostat down.

During the heating season, the relative humidity in your home should be no higher than

30% and no condensation on your windows. In bitter cold weather, the humidity will need

to fall below 30% to prevent condensation on windows.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.

Close the heat registers in unused rooms and close the door.

Basic Energy Conservation Handbook

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Transcript of Basic Energy Conservation Handbook