TOP 10 CHEAP ENERGY SAVERS

Economical Ways to Save Energy at Home

High-end energy saving investments, such as geothermal heating and cooling systems or low-emissivity windows are great ways to save on energy bills in the Okanagan climate. However, the more expensive energy upgrades can often take years to recoup your original investment. There are several cost-friendly ways to keep the bills down and make your home more energy efficient.

1. Install Ceiling Fans

In the hot summer months, get ceiling fans installed in your home, particularly in the bedrooms. Pumping your air conditioner is expensive - by installing fans, your air will circulate, your hot air will move, and the breeze from the fan blades is often enough to ward off the summer heat. If you're not able to give up the A/C entirely, turning the A/C down and using the fans to supplement the cooling is an effective way to keep costs down. Also, most ceiling fans are reversible so the blades can either scoop up or drive down the air to help keep cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter.

2. Go Green with Passive Solar

Harnessing the power of Passive Solar Technology is a cheap way to cut down on energy costs. Technologies like Xeriscaping, tubular skylights, solar window shades and films, and window awnings can help make your home more eco-friendly.

3. Upgrade Appliances

Not only can you save on your water and energy bills by upgrading to environmentally smart appliances, there are often government incentives that offer rebates when you purchase upgraded units. Check before you buy - you might be entitled to a great cash rebate! Also, upgraded, energy-efficient appliances are great for resale!

4. Dishwasher and Washer/Dryer

In the heat of summer, only run your dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer at night. That way, the extra heat these appliances put out won't cause your A/C to work overtime. Especially if your home doesn't have A/C - the extra heat can really make hot days unbearable! Also, make sure you only wash full loads of clothes. If you use a clothesline instead of the dryer, you'll save even more.

5. Re-Caulk around Exterior Windows and Doors

A very cheap, easy energy upgrade is to apply new caulking around your windows and doors. If they haven't been done in a few years, this is an especially good step to take. The extra insulation against the cold will save big bucks in your heating bills.

6. Go Low-Flush

Adapting or changing over your toilets to low flush can lower your hydro bill dramatically. Think about how much water you throw down the drain every day! Another water-saving tip is to switch your shower head over to one of the new, water-efficient models. You won't notice a difference in the shower... only in your water bill!

7. Programmable Thermostats

This one's a no-brainer. If your house still runs off of the old system thermostat - switch over to programmable one. That way, you won't abuse your heating and cooling, using only what you need, when you need it!

8. Warm Clothes

One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating costs in winter is by bundling up! Sometimes it's easier to throw on sweater or down vest during the colder months. Your thermostat can be set at a lower temperature, allowing your furnace to work less. Even lowering your temp by 2-4 degrees can make a big impact on your heating bill. Every degree you increase your temp by can cause your bill to increase by a whopping 3%!

9. Turn out the Lights

A great habit to pick up is remembering to turn lights out as you leave a room. Power-saving bulbs can only go so far - leaving them on is still going to impact your energy bills! Also, think about switching your switches over to dimmable ones. You can save almost HALF the energy by dimming your lights by half!.

10. The Fireplace

If you're not using your fireplace, make sure you plug the flue to block any hot air from escaping the house. Check with local professionals to see the proper method for plugging the portal. If not using a fireplace, plug it up. A wood-burning fireplace is one of the best types of heat. If you're lucky enough to have one in your home, start a fire early morning to get a great flow of heat in the home for the rest of the day. Turn your fans on to better circulate the heat.

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