Climate Change: Home Initiatives

Everyday energy-saving tips for homeowners

You can easily contribute to fighting climate change at home on a daily basis. Every effort you make, however small, will not only help the planet but also save your family money in the long run. Here are just a few simple tips to help you get started:

1. Opt for LED lighting in your home. LED bulbs last up to 30x longer than incandescent bulbs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to10% and consume far less energy
2. Improve your furnace's energy efficiency by up to 20% by having it checked annually by a licensed HVAC professional
3. Invest in an electric kettle with auto-shutoff, the most energy-efficient way to boil water
4. Install and set a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs
5. When using the dishwasher, skip the heat-dry cycle. Air-dry dishes to reduce your dishwasher's energy consumption by up to 50%
6. Use a lid when cooking on the stovetop burners to save up to 14% on energy costs
7. Make your next TV set an Energy Star®-certified model to reduce energy use by over 25%
8. Dry clothing on indoor and outdoor clotheslines to help you trim energy use year-round
9. Keep your freezer set to -18°C; setting it 5–6 degrees colder wastes up to 25% more energy
10. Install weather-stripping around doors and windows to reduce air leaks and help lower your home's heat and cooling needs by up to 20%

Here are some additional links to energy-saving tips and incentives from the Province: