Homeowners Guide to Energy Savings

Most of the electricity consumed in todays homes goes to operate our major appliances and heating systems, with lighting and small appliances consuming the rest. The electric energy used in our homes is often the most expensive form of energy we use. Since you pay for the amount of electricity you use, reducing your energy usage will save you money. Also the less energy we require, the less of an impact commercial electrical generation will have on our environment.

The tables provided in this section show the estimated average monthly energy usage, based on national averages. As consumption of electricity varies from home to home, these averages may not be accurate for everyone, but they do serve as a valuable guide. Each table shows the estimated average monthly usage in kilowatt hours (KWH) and the monthly operating costs based on a $0.05 per KWH charge. You can easily adjust the figures to reflect your costs by checking your utility bill (or contact your local utility) for your per kilowatt hour (KWH) charge and multiplying by the monthly usage figures to arrive at your costs.

Understanding Kilowatt Hours

Electricity is billed to customers for each kilowatt hour (KWH) used.

A kilowatt is 1000 watts.

A kilowatt hour is 1000 watts of electricity delivered to a customer for one hour.

A good example is a 100 watt light bulb, left on for 10 hours: 100 watts x 10 hrs. = 1 KWH.

If you would like to calculate the energy usage of an appliance you can use the following formula:

Wattage divided by 1000 x cost per kwh = cost per hour.

Air Movement and Conditioning

Air Movement and Conditioning	Average Wattage	Single Use Costs	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Costs (5¢ per KWH)
Electronic air cleaner*	50	**	24 hours a day	$ 1.80
Air cleaner (portable)	50	**	24 hours a day	1.80
Air conditioner (Refrigeration type) Room Type - Bedroom* - Family room**** Central (3-ton) - Standard* - High efficiency****	900 1500 5960 4008	0.045 0.075 0.298 0.200	180 hours 180 hours 450 hours/season 450 hours/season	8.10 13.50 134.10 90.00
Evaporative (swamp) cooler - 4800 cfm	620	0.031	450 hours per season	13.95
Dehumidifier***	250	0.012	126 hours a month	1.57
Fans - Attic - Circulating - Exhaust-small - Furnace (auto cycle) - Furnace (cont cycle) - Rollabout - Window	375 88 200 500 500 171 200	0.018 ** 0.010 0.025 0.025 ** 0.010	150 hours 150 hours 30 hours 250 hours 720 hours 60 hours 60 hours	2.81 0.66 0.30 6.25 18.00 0.52 0.60
Humidifier***	120	**	60 hours	0.36

* Plus cost of furnace fan. The fan should operate continuously for best results.

** Less than a penny.

*** Humidistatically controlled. The cost is based on the estimated appliance 'on time'.

**** Thermostatically controlled. The cost is based on the estimated appliance 'on time'.

Health and Personal

Health and Personal	Average Wattage	Single Use Cost and Time of Use	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Costs (5¢ per KWH)
Heat lamp	250	$0.013 for 1 hr	Five hours	$0.06
Heating Pad*	65	** for 2 hrs	Six hours	0.02
Make-up mirror	25	** for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.01
Electric blanket*	200	** for 1 hr	240 hours	2.40
Vibrator	40	** for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.02
Curling iron	40	** for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.02
Hair clipper	10	** for 1 hr	Two hours	**
Hair dryer - Soft bonnet - Hard bonnet - Hand held	400 1200 1000	0.02 for 1 hr 0.06 for 1 hr 0.05 for 1 hr	Ten hours Ten hours Ten hours	0.20 0.60 0.50
Hair rollers	350	0.017 for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.18
Shaving Cream Dispenser	60	** for 30 sec	Two minutes per day	**
Shaver	14	** for 10 min	Ten minutes per day	**
Toothbrush	7	** for 10 min	Ten minutes per day	**
Vapourizer	480	0.024 for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.24
Germicidal lamp	20	** for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.01
Massager	15	** for 1 hr	Ten hours	**

* Thermostatically controlled. The average cost is based on the estimated appliance 'on time'.

** Less than a penny.

Home Entertainment and Workshop

Home Entertainment and Workshop	Average Wattage	Single Use Costs	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Cost (5¢ per KWH)
Television - Colour (tube type) - Colour (solid state) - B&W (tube type) - B&W (solid state)	350 200 1.60 .55	0.018 0.10 ** **	180 hours, (6 hours per day) 180 hours 180 hours 180 hours	$3.15 1.80 0.50 1.44
Video*	27.5	**	30 hours	0.04
Hi-Fi/Stereo	110	**	10 hours	0.06
Personal Computer (includes monitor)	150	**	60 hours (2 hours per day)	0.45
Radio	50	**	60 hours	0.15
Radio/Record player	110	**	10 hours	0.06
Slide projector	150	**	2 hours	0.02
Movie projector	150	**	2 hours	0.02
Electric train	15	**	10 hours	**
Electric fireplace	1500	0.075	10 hours	0.75
Power tools - 1/4'' Electric drill - Circular saw - Jig saw - Table saw - Chain saw - Sander	287 1150 287 1380 1380 287	0.014 0.057 0.014 0.069 0.069 0.014	2 hours 2 hours 2 hours 2 hours 2 hours 2 hours	0.03 0.11 0.03 0.14 0.14 0.03

* Plus Operation of Television.

** Less than a penny.

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen Appliances	Average Wattage	Single Use Cost and Time of Use	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Cost (5¢ per KWH)
Dishwasher***	1200	$0.06 for 1 hr. drying unit on 0.028 for 1 load drying unit off	Once a day Once a day	$ 1.80 $ 0.84
Range (Electric)
- Full Time Cooking*	7-12kw	0.05 for 1 hr.	Three times daily	4.50
- Small Surface Element*	1,300	0.032 for 1 hr. medium setting	Three times daily	2.93
- Large Surface Element*	2,400	0.06 for 1 hr. medium setting	Three times daily	5.40
- Oven - (non-self-cleaning)*	3,200	0.05 for 1 hr.	20 hours	1.00
- Oven (self-cleaning)*	3,200	.040	20 hours	0.80
- Broiler Unit	3,600	0.045 for 15 min.	One hour	0.18
- Self-Cleaning Feature*	4,000	0.25 for 2 hrs.	One time	0.25
Microwave Oven	700	** for 5 min.	12 hours	0.42
Roaster*	1,320	0.033 for 1 hr.	Three hours	0.10
Trash Compactor	400	**	30 minutes	0.01
Baby Food Warmer	165	** for 5 min.	Three hours	0.03
Blender	400	** for 1 min.	30 minutes	0.01
Broiler (portable)*	1,500	0.02 for 30 min.	Once a week	0.08
Can Opener	288	** for 15 sec.	100 times	0.01
Carving Knife	100	** for 5 min.	30 minutes	**
Clock	2	**	24 hrs/day	0.07
Coffee Maker (automatic percolator)	850	0.04 for 1 hr.	Once a day	1.20
Coffee Maker (automatic drip)	1,500	0.07 for 1 hr.	Once a day	2.10
Egg Cooker	520	** for 5 min.	Once a day	0.21
Corn Popper	575	** for 15 min.	Once a week	0.03
Deep Fat Fryer	1,500	0.018 for 15 min.	Once a week	0.07
Disposer	500	** for 1 min.	One hour	0.03
Fondue/Chafing Dish*	800	0.02 for 1 hr.	Once a week	0.08
Food Dehydrator*	875	0.16 for 10 hrs.	Once a week	0.64
Fry Pan*	1,100.	0.028 for 1 hr.	Once a week	0.12
Grinder (food or coffee)	150	** for 1 min	Once a day	**
Griddle*	1,200	0.015 for 30 min.	Three hours	0.09
Hot Plate*	1,250	0.015 for 30 min.	Three hours	0.09
Ice Crusher	300	** for 5 min.	30 times	0.03
Juicer	90	** for 3 min	Once a day	**
Knife Sharpener	100	** for 3 min	One hour	**
Hand Mixer	125	** for 30 min	Two hours	0.01
Standing Mixer	150	** for 30 min	Three hours	0.02
Sandwich Grill	1,150	0.028 for 30 min.	Three hours	0.17
Toaster	1,150	** for 2 min.	Twice a day	0.12
Waffle Iron*	1,100	0.014 for 30 min.	Two hours	0.06
Warming Tray	140	** for 1 hr.	Three hours	0.02
Slow Cooker-Low	75	0.03 for 8 hrs.	32 hours	0.12
Slow Cooker-High	150	0.06 for 8 hrs.	32 hours.	0.24
Outdoor Grill	1,500	0.075 for 1 hour	Four hours.	0.30
Wok Pan	1,000	0.025 for 30 min.	Three hours	0.15
Meat Slicer	200	** for 10 min.	30 min.	0.01
Toaster Oven*	1,500	0.019 for 30 min.	8 hours	0.30
Burger Grill	510	** for 3 min.	One hour	0.03
Plastic Bag Sealer	58	** for 5 min	30 min.	**
Pressure Cooker	1,300	0.065 for 1 hr.	Six hours.	0.39
Hot Dog Cooker	1,500	** for 3 min	One hour	0.08
Crepe Maker	1,000	0.025 for 30 min.	Two hours	0.10

*Thermostatically controlled. Costs based on estimated appliance 'on time'.

** Less than a penny.

*** Operating costs do not include water heating.

Lighting

Lighting	Wattage	Light Output (Lumens)	Life (Hours)	Single Use Cost and Time of Use	Estimated Monthly Usage Cost (30 days) (5¢ per KWH)
Incandescent	100 75 60 40	1520 1170 780 470	1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000	0.04 for 8 hrs. 0.03 for 8 hrs. 0.024 for 8 hrs. 0.016 for 8 hrs.	1.20 0.90 0.72 0.48
Compact Fluorescent (including ballast)	18W (25) 13W (17) 9W (12) 7W (11)	1,200 900 600 400	10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000	0.01 for 8 hrs. ** for 8 hrs. ** for 8 hrs. ** for 8 hrs.	0.30 0.20 0.14 0.13
Single Fluorescent (+Standard ballast) (+Energy-efficient ballast) (+Electronic ballast)	40W (54) 34W (49) 40W (47) 34W (41) 40W (41) 34W (36)	3,150 2,800 3,150 2,800 3,150 2,800	20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000	0.022 for 8 hrs. 0.019 for 8 hrs. 0.016 for 8 hrs. 0.016 for 8 hrs. 0.016 for 8 hrs. 0.014 for 8 hrs.	0.81 0.73 0.69 0.60 0.60 0.54
Double Fluorescent (+Standard ballast) (+Energy-efficient ballast) (+Electronic ballast)	80W (95) 68W (81) 80W (86) 68W (74) 80W (74) 68W (62)	6,300 5,600 6,300 5,600 6,300 5,600	20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000	0.038 for 8 hrs. 0.033 for 8 hrs. 0.034 for 8 hrs. 0.030 for 8 hrs. 0.030 for 8 hrs. 0.025 for 8 hrs.	1.14 0.99 1.02 0.90 0.90 0.75

Figures for single and double fluorescent lighting are for standard T12 - 48 inch lamps.

** Less than one penny

Outside Electrical

Outside Electrical	Average Wattage	Single Use Cost and Period of Use	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Costs (5¢ per KWH)
Post light (incandescent)	100	**	300 hours	$1.50
Post light (mercury)*	90	**	300 hours	1.35
Post light (sodium vapour)*	70	**	300 hours	1.05
Yard light (flood or spot)	100	**	300 hours	1.50
Christmas lights 45 bulbs (3 strings) 15 watt	675	$0.034	42 hours	1.42
Snow melting cable - 100' Gutter - 4' x 70' Sidewalk - 10' x 50' Driveway	700 11200 20000	0.035 0.560 1.00	Ten hours Ten hours Ten hours	0.35 5.60 10.00
Snow blower	1200	0.060	Ten hours	0.60
Septic tank aerator	300	0.015	30 hours	0.45
Garage door opener	350	0.017	3 open and closes per day	0.05
Garden tools - Edger - Hedge trimmer - Lawn mower	480 288 1200	0.024 0.014 0.060	Two hours Two hours Two hours	0.05 0.03 0.24
Outdoor grill	1500	0.075	Four hours	0.30
Illuminated house number	15	**	Ten hours	0.01
Porch or wall light	75	**	Ten hours	0.04
Bug light	100	**	Ten hours	0.05
Stock tank heater	1000	0.050	720 hours	36.00
Brooder	750	0.037	720 hours	27.00

* Includes ballast wattage.

** Less than a penny.

Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerator/Freezer*	Estimated KWH Per Month	Estimated Monthly Usage Cost (5¢ per KWH)
STANDARD INSULATION LEVELS
Top Freezer Models - Automatic Defrost14 - 16 cu. ft. 17 - 18 cu. ft. 19 - 21 cu. ft.	142 151 144	$7.10 7.55 7.20
Side-By-Side Models - Automatic Defrost 17 - 18 cu. ft. 19 - 20 cu. ft. 21 - 22 cu. ft. 23 - 24 cu. ft.	142 154 167 182	7.10 8.35 9.10 7.28
Top Freezer Models - Manual Defrost 12 cu. ft. 13 cu. ft. 14 cu. ft. 15 cu. ft.	83 98 93 71	4.15 4.90 4.65 3.55
HIGH EFFICIENCY or HIGHER INSULATED MODELS
Top Freezer Models - Automatic Defrost 14 - 16 cu. ft. 17 - 18 cu. ft. 20 - 22 cu. ft. Top Freezer Models - Manual Defrost 15 - 17 cu. ft.	110 118 117 80	5.50 5.90 5.85 4.00
Freezers*	Estimated KWH Per Month	Estimated Monthly Usage Cost (5¢ per KWH)
Chest Freezers - Manual Defrost 15 cu. ft. 20 cu. ft. 23 cu. ft. 25 cu. ft.	87 104 122 118	4.35 5.20 6.10 5.90
Upright Freezers - Manual Defrost 15 - 16 cu. ft. 18 - 21 cu. ft.	97 100	4.85 5.00
Upright Freezers - Automatic Defrost 15 - 16 cu. ft. 18 - 21 cu. ft.	157 163	7.85 8.15

* Energy usage estimated are based on the average between high and low energy use from studies, currently available. Per month energy usage may vary from the averaged figures provided depending on age, condition and the location of your fridge or freezer. Energy usage per month for some of the larger models shows a decrease because larger models are usually better insulated than smaller models. Models with accessories such as ice makers and water dispensers will have higher energy usage.

Thermostatically Controlled Water Heater

Usage	Gallons of Hot Water	Single Usage Operating Cost (5¢ per KWH)	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated MonthlyUsage Cost (30 days) (5¢ per KWH)
Tub bath	10 - 15	12¢ - 20¢	30 baths	$3.60 - 6.00
Shower	8 - 12	10¢ - 15¢	30 showers	3.00 - 4.50
Baby bath	5	6¢	30 baby baths	1.80
Meal Preparation	3	3¢	60 meals	1.80
Dishwashing - hand	5	6¢	90 times	5.40
Dishwashing - automatic	10 - 15*	12¢ - 20¢	30 loads	3.60 - 6.00
Clothes washing - automatic	18	23¢	30 loads	6.90

* Pre-rinsing with hot water will increase the hot water usage.

Utility and Laundry Appliances

Utility-Laundry	Average Wattage	Single Use Cost and Time of Use	Estimated Monthly Usage	Estimated Monthly Usage Costs (5¢ per KWH)
Clock	2	$***	Continuous	$0.08
Floor waxer/cleaner	350	0.017 for 1 hr	Three hours	0.05
Incinerator	605	0.060 for 2 hrs	240 hours	7.20
100 watt bulb	100	*** for 1 hr	Ten hours	0.05
Sewing Machine	100	*** for 1 hr	Five hours	0.03
Sump pump	85	*** for 1 hr	Four hours	0.02
Vacuum cleaner	650	0.016 for 30 min	Two hours	0.06
Water pump	1080	0.054 for 1 hr	Two hours	0.11
Electric clothes dryer* - Regular fabric* - Permanent press*	4800	0.19 for 1 load 0.15 for 1 load	15 loads 25 loads	2.85 1.50
Gas clothes dryer**	210	0.01 for 1 load	25 loads	0.25
Radiant picture heater	400	0.02 for 1 hr	720 hours	14.40
Space heater	1300	0.065 for 1 hr	60 hours	3.90
Washer - Automatic - Wringer type	500 280	0.012 for 1 load ** for 1 load	30 loads 30 loads	0.36 0.21
Iron (hand)*	1000	0.025 for 1 hr	Five hours	0.13
Iron (mangle)*	1525	0.038 for 1 hr	Five hours	0.19

* Thermostatically controlled. The average cost is based on the estimated appliance 'on time'.

** Electric motor only; gas cost extra.

*** Less than a penny.

Water Beds

Room Temperature	Water Bed Temperature
	80° F		85° F		90° F
	KWH/Mo.	Cost/Mo.*	KWH/Mo.	Cost/Mo.*	KWH/Mo.	Cost/Mo.*
80° F	0	$ 0.00	34	$ 1.70	68	$ 3.40
75° F	34	1.70	68	3.40	101	5.05
70° F	68	3.40	101	5.05	135	6.75
65° F	101	5.05	135	6.75	169	8.45
60° F	135	6.75	169	8.45	203	10.15
55° F	169	8.45	203	10.15	236	11.80
50° F	203	10.15	236	11.80	271	13.55

* Based on an estimated average cost of 5¢ per KWH.

Note: Your energy consumption will be less during warm months. If your waterbed is not well covered with bedding, the energy usage (operating cost) could be up to 40% more. Extra insulation, such as foam insulation around the frame or heavy bedding, can help lower these costs.

While it is often said that energy conservation starts at home, it can be difficult to decide where to start. The homeowners guide to energy savings is designed to help you get started with over 100 energy saving tips for the entire home. Many of the ideas are inexpensive and easy to do. Some cost nothing at all.

One of your first steps for conserving energy is to ensure that the correct levels of insulation have been installed in your homes walls, ceilings and basement. Check with your local building authorities for recommended levels for your area. If your insulation levels are too low you should look at upgrading them as soon as possible. Proper insulation not only saves on heating costs but makes for a more comfortable home and helps reduce summer time cooling costs.

APPLIANCES

Clothes Dryers

1. Keep the lint filter clean. A dirt lint filter restricts air flow.
   
2. Operate the dryer with a full load whenever possible.
   
3. Check the dryer vent twice yearly to make sure it isn't plugged or restricted.
   
4. Match the dryer temperature settings to the type of fabric and the size of load.

Clothes Washers

1. Wash full loads or use lower water level settings for smaller loads.
   
2. Use hot water only when necessary. Modern detergents work well in warm and cold water.
   
3. Use a cold water rinse cycle.
   
4. Do not over wash clothes. Delicate clothes don't need as long a wash cycle as dirty work clothes.

Dishwashers

1. When possible wash full loads only.
   
2. Use the shortest wash cycle possible.
   
3. Use the 'energy saver' cycle if available. If your dishwasher doesn't have this function open the door at the end of the rinse cycle and let the dishes air dry.

Other Appliances

1. Using an electric frying pan rather than a range element uses half the energy.
   
2. Electric kettles are quicker and use less energy than boiling water on the stove.
   
3. A slow cooker uses one third the energy to cook a stew that an oven does.
   
4. A toaster is three times as efficient as the range oven in making toast.
   
5. Pressure cookers cook five to ten times as fast as an oven.

Microwaves

1. Using microwaves for cooking vegetables or warming foods is very energy efficient, while using it to defrost frozen foods is an energy waster.

Refrigerators

1. Unplug fridge and clean the dust from the back or bottom coils twice a year.
   
2. Make sure there is at least a 8 mm (3 inch) air space between the back of the fridge and the wall to allow for air circulation.
   
3. Turn off your automatic ice maker. It is far more efficient to make ice in ice cube trays.
   
4. Locate the fridge away from any heat producing sources, warm air flows, or sunlight.
   
5. Cool foods before putting them in the fridge and cover all liquids to stop evaporation.
   
6. Keep the fridge door gasket clean and check the seal yearly for tightness. If seals are worn replace.
   
7. Defrost fridge and freezer regularly.
   
8. Adjust the fridge temperature setting to between 2° and 4° (36° to 38°).
   
9. Adjust the fridge/freezer temperature to -15° to - 18° (4° to 0°)
   
10. Do not put a fridge or freezer in cold areas such as a porch or garage because they do not operate as efficiently.
    
11. Thawing frozen foods in the fridge reduces spoilage and helps cool the fridge.
    
12. Avoid keeping the fridge door open any longer than necessary.
    
13. When buying a new fridge or freezer compare energy usage information.
    
14. Turn off the butter conditioner, its actually a little heater inside your fridge.

Ranges (Stoves)

1. Match pots and pans to stove element size for best heat transfer.
   
2. If you use a minimum amount of water in covered pans, foods cook faster and taste fresher.
   
3. Use reflector pans (foil) under electric stove elements to reflect heat and increase efficiency.
   
4. Use lids on pots whenever possible.
   
5. Ovens can be turned off 15 to 20 minutes before cooking time is complete and food will continue to cook without using more electricity.
   
6. Preheat oven only when required. Most foods can be cooked without preheating.
   
7. Defrost food beforehand, it takes 50% more cooking time if frozen.
   
8. Check that the stove door gasket is tight. Adjust or replace as required.
   
9. Don't peek by opening the oven door. Sneak previews are energy wasters.
   
10. If possible use a pressure cooker, they greatly reduce cooking time.
    
11. Small appliances like toasters, broilers, microwaves and kettles are more efficient for small jobs than a stove.
    
12. Use the self-cleaning feature right after regular cooking. Less energy will be required to reach cleaning temperature as the stove is already warm.
    
13. When using the oven cook several items at a time.
    
14. If buying a new range consider a self-cleaning oven. Self-cleaning ovens use less energy for normal cooking because of higher insulation levels.
    
15. Use your microwave for cooking whenever possible.

Block Heaters

1. Put a timer on the circuit for your car block heater. To be effective it only needs to be on two to three hours before the car is started.
   
2. Plug your in-car heater into the same timer as your block heater.

DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATING

1. Set the thermostat on your water heater to 49° (120°). If your dishwasher has a booster this is fine, if not set the thermostat at 60° (140°).
   
2. Upgrade your hot water tanks insulation levels with an insulation kit or glass fibre insulation wrap.
   
3. In cool basements or unheated areas make sure hot water lines are insulated.
   
4. Drain about 4.5 litres (1 gallon) every two to three months from the drain tap to remove sediment and mineral build-up from the bottom of the tank.
   
5. If a gas or oil fired unit is used have it serviced at least once a year.
   
6. Repair any leaking faucets.
   
7. Install low flow shower-heads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water usage.
   
8. Showers normally use less hot water than baths.
   
9. Let bath water stand in the tub until it has cooled and released its heat into the house.
   
10. Turn your water heater off when you go on vacation.
    
11. Install a heat trap loop or anti-convection valve on your hot and cold water lines at the water heater.
    
12. If replacing a water heater buy an energy efficient unit or consider alternatives such as a heat-pump or integrated water/space heating units.

HOME DRAFTPROOFING

1. Locate and seal any air leaks in the 'building envelope' (walls, ceilings, floors and basements).
   
2. Check the weatherstripping on all windows and doors. Replace if worn or damaged.
   
3. Caulk the inside of all window and door frames.
   
4. Remove exterior wall baseboards, caulk and replace.
   
5. Caulk from the inside and outside, any penetrations (electrical, plumbing, vents, etc.) through the building envelope.
   
6. Install interior or exterior storm windows.
   
7. Install foam draft enders on all wall electrical outlets.
   
8. Seal around ceiling fixtures and caulk where the wires enter.
   
9. Check your dryer and exhaust vent hoods. If the flappers do not close properly, repair or replace.
   
10. Seal around plumbing stacks and the chimney (Use a high temperature sealant for the chimney).
    
11. Weatherstrip and insulate interior attic access doors.

LIGHTING

1. Open the drapes and use natural daylight where possible.
   
2. Turn off all lights when not in use (make one of your children the family light cop).
   
3. Where possible replace incandescent lights with fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights produce four times as much light per watt, last ten times as long and cost one third as much to operate.
   
4. Use task lighting wherever possible.
   
5. Keep light fixtures and bulbs clean to maintain efficiency.
   
6. Use the right type and size of light bulb for each lighting job. A 150 watt bulb is more efficient and produces more light than two 75 watt bulbs.
   
7. Install solid state dimmers in areas where full lighting is not always required.
   
8. If decorating use light colored walls which reflect more light.
   
9. Use motion sensors on outside lights.
   
10. Use occupancy sensors in workrooms or laundry rooms.
    
11. Reduce lighting wattage to the minimum required.
    
12. Where possible consider Halogen bulbs which use half the energy of an incandescent light and last two to four times as long.
    
13. Consider high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps for exterior lighting. HPS lamps use seventy per cent less energy than a standard floodlight and last up to eight times as long.
    
14. Consider a timer to turn lights on and off while you are out for an evening or on vacation.
    
15. Use low wattage Christmas or decorative lighting.

SPACE HEATING

General

1. Reduce your daytime thermostat setting to 20° (68°)
   
2. Reduce your nighttime thermostat setting to 17° (63°). Use the nighttime settings if no one is home during the day.
   
3. Make sure the thermostat is located away from any heat producing sources.
   
4. Buy and install an automatic setback thermostat.
   
5. Close off and reduce the temperature to 10° (50°) in unused rooms.
   
6. Reduce nighttime heat loss by closing drapes or insulated shutters.
   
7. Open drapes on south windows during the day to gain free solar heat.
   
8. Keep exhaust fans in good operating condition and minimize use during the heating season.
   
9. Be sure that fireplace and woodstove dampers seal properly and are tightly closed when not in use.

Forced Air - Gas *(Always turn off the power before making any adjustments)

1. Keep the furnace filter clean. A dirty filter reduces air flow and makes the fan work harder.
   
2. Keep all air registers clean and free of obstructions.
   
3. If required oil the motor and fan axle ports twice yearly.
   
4. If the fan is belt driven adjust the belt tension so that when depressed in the middle there is only 20 to 30 mm (3/4 to 1 1/4 inches) of slack.
   
5. Have your furnace serviced yearly.
   
6. Check the accuracy of your thermostat annually.
   
7. Insulate hot air ducts which pass through unheated spaces and seal all ductwork seams with duct tape.
   
8. If practical use plastic warm air deflectors to direct warm air into the room.
   
9. Open combustion air ducts should be fitted with a thermostat controlled, fail-safe electric damper.

Forced Air - Oil

1. Check the flame through the peep hole while the furnace is running. If black smoke is visible on the tip of the flame call in a serviceman for adjustment.
   
2. When the furnace is not operating use a flashlight to check the fire box for soot buildup. If there is a soot buildup arrange for an adjustment and servicing.
   
3. Clean and oil the hinges on the barometric damper and be sure it swings freely.
   
4. Change your oil filter annually.
   
5. Have the unit properly serviced prior to the start of each heating season.

Hot-Water Space Heating

1. Check fluid levels in the boiler regularly.
   
2. Check expansion tank and insure that there is an air space to allow for expansion.
   
3. Bleed the air from all radiators and check periodically.
   
4. Insulate any hot water pipes running through unheated areas.
   
5. Keep radiators clean and free from any obstructions.

Electric Space Heating

1. Clean heating elements regularly.
   
2. Check that the deflectors are open and aiming the heat into the room.
   
3. Insure that radiators are not blocked by furniture or drapes.
   
4. Check each zone thermostat yearly for accuracy.