Taking simple steps to save energy at home can lower the residential sector’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Families should be doubling their efforts to save energy since emissions from energy use could peak as soon as this year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In this short guide, we outline energy-saving measures to help Canadian households contribute to the effort to help reduce emissions. After reading, you can save money on electricity while helping the environment.
1. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Most electronics and devices do not have to be on and plugged in 24/7. To save energy at home, unplug appliances when they are not in use, even those with standby power modes like computers.
Electronics on standby still draw power, which can be costly and wasteful since you are not using them. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), standby power consumption can take up 5 to 10 percent of your electricity bill.
Standard electrical standby power electronics include the following:
- Gaming consoles
- Computers in Sleep Mode
- Cell phone chargers
- Recharging laptops
Another way to reduce emissions is to use power management settings on devices to reduce energy drain. You can also use smart power bars, which automatically cut power to appliances on standby.
2. Reduce Aircon Use
Reducing aircon use can be a simple way to save energy. Instead of turning on your AC on a hot day, use an electric fan instead. If your home has a high ceiling, you can install ceiling fans to keep your room well-ventilated.
Tabletop or box-shaped fans designed to fit within a window frame can also be wise options to keep hot air out of your home. When it is cooler outside your house than inside, open your windows. Remember that whenever you turn on a fan instead of your AC, you are helping conserve energy.
3. Use Thermostat Wisely
As more people start to work from home, working in a room with a comfortable temperature has become more of a priority.
One effective way to use the thermostat while working from home is to change the temperature for only eight hours a day instead of the whole day. Doing so can help you save as much as 10 percent every year on heating and cooling. If you live in an area with milder climates, you can save even more than that.
Instead of turning your air conditioner off while you are away from home and blasting it way down when you arrive will not cool your home quicker. Instead, adjust your heating or air conditioner unit up or down by three to five degrees, depending on the season.
4. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Always choose Energy Star-certified products to save energy when shopping for appliances. NRCan has a list of these appliances that can help Canadians save on electric costs while helping protect the environment.
Proper disposal of appliances is also a crucial part of saving energy. You can purchase new electronics from a retailer with a recycling program that collects your end-of-life appliances. Another option is to drop off old appliances at recycling facilities.
Improper electronics disposal can have dangerous consequences since these products release toxic and ozone-depleting substances like methane and carbon dioxide.
5. Take Care of Large Appliances
Remember that the bigger the appliance, the more energy it needs to function. The machines that dry your dishes, clean your clothes, and cook, heat, and chill your meals take up a lot of energy.
If you want to save energy, consider replacing larger appliances with more energy-efficient models. If you do not have the money to replace them for now, you can try the following tips instead:
- Keep your refrigerator stocked since a mostly empty space uses more energy
- Use large appliances during off-peak energy hours
If you already practice eco-friendly living and want to go the extra mile to help the environment, check out Ontario’s energy savings programs and see how you can join. You may think your individual choices do not matter, but our collective effort can significantly impact the environment.
