7 Money Saving Energy Tips

  • Home Owner Tips
  • Thursday, November 1, 2018

With the days getting chillier by each passing day, turning up the thermostat to heat your home has likely become a common routine. While the heat will keep you and your home nice and warm, you may be in for a not-so-nice surprise after receiving your utility bills at the end of the month. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to not only save a few dollars – which can come in handy especially before the holiday season – but also reduce your energy footprint for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Here’s how you can get started:

Install a low flow shower head

Low flow shower heads use less water than regular shower heads, which in turn requires less energy to heat the water. This is a great solution to reduce your water usage without shortening your time in the shower! If you’re a Trico homeowner, then you don’t have to worry – all Trico homes already come with low flow shower heads!

Check your dryer vents

Once it starts snowing, make sure to check your dryer vent outside regularly to clear off any ice build-up. This will prevent cold air from getting inside your home.

Use LED light bulbs

Consider switching the light bulbs in your home to LED ones. LED lights use approximately 75% less energy and last 25% longer than incandescent light bulbs.

Extra Savings Tip: Energy Efficiency Alberta offers an instant savings program on LED light bulbs, low flow shower heads and other products if you purchase them at certain participating retail locations across Alberta. More information can be found here.

Invest in a smart thermostat

With a smart thermostat, you’re able to adjust the temperature of your home right from your smartphone, so you can turn off the heat when you leave your home and turn it back on when you come back. Energy Efficiency Alberta also offers a rebate program for the purchase of select smart thermostats.

Assess your furniture placement

Make sure none of your vents or heat registers in your home are blocked by furniture or miscellaneous items. Before turning up the thermostat to warm up a room, check to make sure that the vents are clear, as blocked vents can prevent heat from entering a room.

Clean your furnace

Dust and dirt build-up in your furnace not only restricts air and heat flow, but can also be a fire hazard. Ensure that your furnace and vent system is properly maintained, cleaned on a regular basis and replace your furnace filter on a quarterly basis.

Only heat the rooms you actually use

Don’t bother using energy to heat the rooms that you won’t be using every day, such as a storage or guest room. Direct the heat to the rooms you do use by closing and sealing the vents in your unused rooms, and close the door to contain the space and air flow.

If you’re a Trico homeowner, you’ll also be pleased to know that your energy costs are likely lower compared to an older home, due to an improved HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling), better wall insulation, a higher quality air filtration system, high-efficiency toilets, and water efficient faucets. Combined with our tips above, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your energy usage and footprint!

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