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Audioweb - Download Flash Tricks of the trade... for saving ideas
The Canadian climate is hard on our homes. They must stand up to both the winter cold and the summer heat. The David Suzuki Foundation believes that you could save up to $400 a year by reducing your energy and gasoline consumption by just 10%.
Do not let your home's heat escape through the interstices in the walls, attic spaces and foundations. Poor thermal insulation can account for up to 40% of heat losses. And when the heat slips away, so does your money!
Recognize the symptoms of poor insulation or lack of airtightness The following observations suggest either poor insulation or lack of airtightness: - High heating costs; - Windows frosting or sweating on the inside; - Detectable drafts near door and window frames.
Air leaks occurring around kitchen and dryer fans cause up to 25% of heat losses; the percentage goes up to 30% for airflow occurring around doors and windows. For that reason, caulking is a simple and economical way to save energy.
Ventilation... essential in any house Find out about the devices that provide good ventilation: insulation and ventilation go hand in hand. Your house also needs to breathe!
Remember the electrical outlets We recommend the installation of foam pads specially designed to fit between the outlet and the cover plate of electrical outlets and light switches.
Opt for a reduced flow showerhead; your comfort level will remain the same, but your electricity bill will undergo quite a transformation.
Wash your clothes in cold water Did you know that, on average, a load of laundry in cold water costs 1.5 cents, while a load in hot water costs 35 cents? What a refreshing thought...
Operate your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are filled to capacity.
Lowering your thermostat should become an integral part of your bedtime routine. During the day, if you are home, the ideal temperature should be 20o Celsius; at night, whether or not you are home, it should be 17o Celsius. Not only will you save energy, but you will also sleep better!
The kids are in school and you are off to work? Remember to lower your thermostat.
Teach your children to turn off the faucet while they are brushing their teeth... by doing the same!
Turn off the lights in empty rooms. At night, for your own safety, opt for low intensity (and energy efficient) nightlights placed in strategic locations, rather than leaving the hallway lights on.
Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lights Replace your incandescent bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lights. CFL's are an excellent investment as they consume up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than conventional bulbs.
Enjoy the gift of Mother Nature Make the most of the daylight and let it pour freely through your windows and light wells. In the morning, open your curtains; close them up at night to retain your heat.
Install light dimmer switches that allow you to regulate light levels to suit your needs. In addition to creating a more pleasant atmosphere, you will save energy and prolong the life of your bulbs. Brilliant idea, is it not?
Rooms painted in white tones reflect about 80% of the light, while darker hued walls only reflect 10% of the light.
Make the most of Energy Star benefits and tips Choose household appliances - washers, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, water dispensers - and other products (like windows) that meet the Energy Star criteria.
When energy savings and safety measures go together... Put outdoor lights on timers. It will save energy while giving the impression that somebody is home.
Replace conventional thermostats with electronic ones. You'll maintain a stable and even home temperature, and save up to 10% on your heating costs.
Space heaters, heat pumps and air conditioners Choose devices capable of servicing entire areas efficiently. A device of insufficient capacity will work non-stop without achieving the desired outcome, and will waste an enormous amount of energy to boot.
Are you the happy future owner of a new home? Seize the opportunity to arrange your windows properly. Indeed, north-facing walls should feature as few windows as possible. For walls facing east and south, the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique recommends double glazed panels with argon and spacers. As for west-facing walls, unless trees cast some shade on your home in the summer months, low-emissivity film will protect your furniture and walls from the undesirable bleaching effects of ultraviolet rays.
Is your contractor or subcontractor a Novoclimat certified professional? You know you can count on getting the best in insulation when you do business with Novoclimat certified contractors and professionals. Not only are they aware of the importance of proper and efficient insulation, but they are also always on the lookout for the latest insulation innovations, well-informed about the most recent improvements to the building code, and compliant with the highest industry standards.
Please visit Hydro-Québec's website for more details.
Hydro-Québec
Other useful links
Energy Star Program
Energy Efficiency Fund |
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