Saving energy at home doesn’t require drastic changes. It’s all about making small, smart adjustments that add up to significant savings, lowering your utility bills while helping the environment. From upgrading appliances to checking your home’s wiring, here’s how you can take control of your energy use.
1. Keep Your Electrical System Safe
Energy efficiency starts with safety. If your home is older, a licensed electrician can assess whether your system handles modern electrical demands safely.
Understanding your electrical system also helps you spot problems before they become expensive emergencies. Never ignore flickering lights or hot panels, since they could point to wiring issues or overloaded circuits. Pay attention to the warnings and call a professional to schedule an inspection to check your panel, breakers, and overall system capacity.
Certified professionals can add outlets, upgrade panels, and install dedicated circuits for high-use areas. These updates not only make your home safer but also improve energy performance.
2. Unplug devices
Even when turned off, many of your devices sit in standby mode, drawing small amounts of power 24/7. This is called “phantom power”. It’s not a lot, but over time, that cost will build up.
An easy way to save energy at home is to unplug any devices or appliances when they’re not in use. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, computers, and kitchen appliances when not in use, or use a power bar, which you can “unplug” all of them at once by switching the power bar off, rather than having to manually do it one at a time.
2. Use Only The Light You Need
How you use the light in your house can go a long way to saving you money on your energy bill. If you have children or roommates, take a quick walk around your home and turn off any lights that aren’t in use. Another great way to use light and save energy is to use what’s called “task lighting.” Rather than using a ceiling light while reading, or doing homework, use just a desk or table lamp. It will minimize the amount of energy you use and keep you focused.
We also strongly recommend making the switch to LED or CFL light bulbs. They use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and can last 25 times longer.
3. Wash Smart
Many washers and dryers nowadays are energy-efficient, but they still use quite a bit of electricity. Try to only wash full loads when using your washer or dryer. This will minimize the number of times they’re in use. Better still, if the weather is nice, hang your clothes outside. That will save you even more money on your electricity bill.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are one of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market today. With a programmable thermostat, you can set your home’s heat or AC to maintain a specific temperature when no one is home. Then you can set it to gradually raise or lower the temperature an hour before you get home, so you can come home to a comfortable house. They can be a bit of an investment up front, but a programmable thermostat is a sure-fire way to save you money on your electricity bill down the road. In addition, your heating system needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Change or clean filters every three months or when they get dirty
Sealing windows and doors with weatherstripping also prevents heat from escaping during colder months. A small investment in insulation can stop drafts and reduce energy waste (up to $600 annually).
For even greater savings, consider switching to an electric heat pump. It provides both heating and cooling efficiently and can cut thousands off your annual energy costs, especially if you qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative rebates (up to $10,000).
6. Upgrade Devices
Old appliances also waste energy. If your TV, washer, dryer, or dishwasher is over a decade old, it is costing you money. New, high-efficiency models with the ENERGY STAR® label are designed to use far less electricity and water, saving money over time. The initial investment pays for itself in long-term savings.
7. Build Better Habits
Changing small habits has a big impact. Try to remember to turn off lights when leaving a room, use timers or motion sensors for lamps and outdoor lights, and keep vents clear of furniture and dust to help your heating system work more efficiently.
Even your daily routine affects your bill. Try to make adjustments such as taking shorter showers, unplugging chargers, and making temperature adjustments to help reduce costs.
Saving energy starts with awareness and action, and professional help makes a difference, especially for bigger projects.
If you have any questions about electricity, please contact our experienced electrician.
