Save at Home
General Energy Saving Tips
- Avoid Phantom Power - Many electronics draw power even when they're not being used! This is called Phantom Power, which can account for up to 10% of your bill. Be sure to unplug electronics that are not in use.
- Utilize Smart Power Bars - Smart power bars can detect when a device is in standby mode and will automatically cut the power in order to save energy and money.
- Consider your Lighting - Use natural light when possible. Switch all lighting in your house to LED bulbs. LEDs use 70 to 90 per cent less electricity than traditional bulbs and last up to 3.5 times longer. Be sure to turn off lights when not in use.
- Change Your Laundry Routine - Select the cold water option on your washing machine and hang clothes to dry when possible.
- Inspect Windows and Insulation for Air Leaks - Ensuring that your home has no air leaks will keep hot air out and cool air in during the summer; and cold air out and warm air in during the winter.
Summer Energy Saving Tips
- Ceiling Fan Direction - Set the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise. This directs a cooling breeze down into the room while circulating any cold air generated by the air conditioning, allowing you to turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
- Close your Curtains/Blinds - Closed curtains help prevent the sun's rays and warmth from entering the room. allowing you to keep your house cooler without turning the AC up.
- Consider your Vacation - If you plan on going away for vacation, turn off your AC while you are away. Unplug any major appliances that will not be used and do not need to remain plugged in (stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, TV's, etc.)
- Hang Laundry Outside to Dry - Avoid using the dryer by hanging laundry on a clothesline outside.
- Service Air Conditioning System - A clean and well cared for system is more effective and energy efficient.
- Avoid Cooking Indoors - Use of the oven and stove can generate excess heat. Take advantage of the weather and grill/barbeque outside.
Winter Energy Saving Tips
- Take Advantage of the Sun - Open curtains/blinds during the day to allow the sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
- Maintain your Heating System - Clean the system, preform preventative maintenance, ensure proper fluid levels, change filters, etc. A clean and well cared for system is more effective and energy efficient.
- Holiday Decorations - Use energy efficient LED lights and opt for ENERGY STAR® certified products.
- Ceiling Fan Direction - Set the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise. Since warm air rises, this will help push warm air back down, while circulating any heat produced by your heating system.
- Adjust your Thermostat - Lowering your thermostat when you are away or asleep can help you save money and energy, even if it is only by a few degrees!
Kill A Watt™ Appliance Monitor Lending Program
Ever wonder how much money your refrigerator is costing you to run each year and if it's time to replace it with a newer energy-efficient model?
How about the cost to keep that Xbox, DVD player and stereo system on standby 365 days a year? With electricity prices on the rise it makes financial sense to learn how to conserve.
InnPower has partnered with Innisfil Public Libraries to help you determine how much electricity is consumed by old, inefficient or power hungry appliances. Borrow the Kill A Watt™ Appliance Monitor for a simple way to monitor how much electricity your appliances are really costing you in the long-run and identify “phantom power” electronics that are costing you money when plugged in, but not in use.
Kill A Watt™ Appliance Monitors can be borrowed from these local library locations:
Churchill - 2282 4th Line
Cookstown - 20 Church Street
Lakeshore - 967 Innisfil Beach Road
Stroud - 7883 Yonge Street
For more information about this program, please contact your local library branch or contact our Customer Service.
CFL Recycling
Introducing another way for you to help the environment.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs contain small amounts of mercury which can be dangerous to yourself and the environment if not disposed of properly. CFL bulbs cannot be placed with your curbside garbage and must be brought to your local landfills Household Hazardous Waste facility to ensure it is properly disposed of.