Saint John Energy | Energy Tips

Facts and Tips on Winter Heating Pamphlet

The following ideas could help you save money on your energy usage; we have also listed an energy consumption table to show how much energy household appliances can consume. There are also three excellent energy efficiency web sites that you can visit. The first is Efficiency NB the second is the Energuide Program and finally the New Brunswick Environment Industry Association.

For more energy saving opportunities, contact our Energy Advisor at 658-5252. Saint John Energy also offers energy audits for electricity heated homes.

Appliance Usage Tips

When purchasing new appliances look for the EnergyStar® symbol to identify the most energy efficient products in the marketplace.
Avoid having the refrigerator door open more than necessary as it will prevent cool air from spilling out into the room and will retain the cold in the refrigerator. Also check the gaskets on your refrigerator and deep freeze from time to time. Ensure that they are not damaged.
Operate your dishwasher, washer and dryer with full loads only, however, beware of overloading. If possible, air dry dishes and clothes.
Wash clothes in cold water only. Did you know that 90% of the energy consumed for washing clothes comes from heating the water?
Ensure that your dryer vent hood is not damaged and working correctly. A lot of cold air can enter the home through this 4-inch opening.
Be aware of the options on your water cooler. The hot water and fridge option on some models can consume a lot of energy.
When replacing your refrigerator with an energy efficient model make sure that the old unit is sent to the recycler, and not reused in the basement or garage.
Understand the options provided with your dishwasher. Use all of the energy saving options when possible
If possible, use a clothesline to dry laundry and let Mother Nature do the work.
Clean the lint filter on a dryer or washer after every use.
Always turn off electronic equipment or other appliances when not in use.
Small appliances are more efficient, the lower the wattage, the less electricity being used. Toaster ovens, slow cookers and microwaves use less electricity than a conventional oven.
Use a ceiling fan in place of air conditioning to keep a room cool in the summer.
Waterbeds should be covered at all times to reduce heat loss.

Heating Tips

Ensure your house has adequate insulation (including basement) and weather-stripping.
Use a programmable thermostat to control your heaters, they can be set to start before you get up or come home and set to turn down after you leave or go to bed.
It is a common misconception that heat flows up. In fact, heat will be drawn to any cold source regardless of direction. It is important to keep windows, doors and any foundation cracks properly sealed.
Basements account for up to 1/3 of all heat loss so be sure to insulate to at least R-12.
Use a timer to control your block-heater in winter, 1-2 hours before starting your car is all that is required.
Close doors to unused rooms and turn the thermostat down slightly to save energy. Some heat is required to avoid mildew, mold and condensation.
Open drapes and curtains during the day to make use of the heat provided by the sunlight. Closing drapes and curtains at night will help to insulate the windows.
Ensure ductwork and heaters are clean as dust and dirt can build up and restrict the airflow and decrease the efficiency of your heating system.
Glass doors on fireplaces retain heat better than mesh screens. Dampers should be kept closed on fireplaces and wood stoves when they are not in use.
Rule of thumb: For each degree you lower your thermostat in winter, you can save about 3 percent on your heating bill.
When adjusting the thermostat by hand, remember that the house will not warm up or cool down any faster if you adjust the thermostat past the desired temperature.
Make sure that mail slots on your exterior doors are sealed correctly. Even better, insulate and seal this opening and install your mailbox outside.
Often overlooked in the home is the attic hatch. Ensure it is insulated and properly sealed to prevent heat loss.

Lighting Tips

Use Timers to control indoor and outdoor lighting. This can also provide some security measures.
Use fluorescent light instead of standard light when possible to take advantage of savings in energy. Fluorescent lights last longer than incandescent bulbs and provide the same amount of light at a lower operating cost.
Ensure fixtures, bulbs and lamps are clean as dust and dirt can build up and reduce your light levels and decrease the efficiency of your lighting system. Remember to unplug or turn off the power before cleaning.
Use lower wattage bulbs in areas which require less lighting such as sheds and entrance ways.
Use motion sensor fixtures to switch on lights when needed. These are especially useful for safety and security around the entrances to your home.
Dimmers provide energy savings and add diversity to your lighting options by allowing you to vary the level of light to suit your need. Ensure the appropriate lights which permit dimmers are used.
Turn out lights when leaving a room. Contrary to popular belief, the switching process itself does not use extra energy. You will save energy by switching lights off in a room, even if you are leaving for only a short period.
Use compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) to replace your incandescent bulbs. A 75% savings for performing the same task, CFL’s also last longer.
Choose LED holiday light strings for your outdoor lighting. Compared to some older style lighting that could consume 90-95% more energy.
Night Lights can be an alternative to leaving lights on in certain areas at night, i.e. hallways.

For more energy saving tips, check out Natural Resource Canada's site for the Office of Energy Efficiency as well as Efficiency New Brunswick.

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