TIP:  Make your kitchen more efficient!

Old refrigerators can use a lot of electricity. If you are not in the market for an energy efficient fridge in the near future, there are a few things to help keep it running as efficiently as possible.

• Maintain the refrigerator at 3C and the freezer at -18C for optimum efficiency and food safety. Remember to use a thermometer to check the temperature because the numbers on the dial do not correspond to the actual temperature.
• Do not overcrowd the fridge or freezer. Overcrowding makes the fridge work harder to maintain the internal temperatures at the optimum levels.
• Keep your fridge and the seal around the door clean.

Apartment style fridges usually are very energy efficient because they do not have a separate freezer compartment. Keep it running at its best by defrosting the freezer space when there is a lot of ice buildup. Ice buildup makes the fridge work harder to keep the space at its correct temperature.

Use small appliances like the microwave, toaster oven and electric frypan instead of the range to cook small quantities of food.

Choose the dishwasher cycle with the no heat dry cycle to save electricity.

TIP:  Saving money in the Laundry room

In the laundry room, the dryer uses the most electricity because of its heating element. There are a few hints that should help you make a small difference!

• Use the cold water rinse cycle, it saves energy and reduces wrinkles.
• Always wash and dry full loads of clothes.
• Do not overdry clothes.
• In the summer, hang clothes outside to dry
• Start drying towels in the dryer to fluff and then finish drying on the line

TIP: Other ways to save around the house

It’s great to remember that every bit counts! Try and get the kids involved to help identify ways to save electricity.

• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

• Turn down the furnace at night and when you leave for the day. This will result in reduced heating costs while still providing a comfortable sleeping temperature.

• Use small portable fans to cool parts of the house rather than using the furnace fan

There are a lot of ways to save energy in the winter months without affecting your comfort!

• Expecting some cold weather? Your vehicles only need to be plugged in for 3 hrs before leaving for an easy start. An inexpensive timer can help you save money.
• Limit the amount of use of in-car warmers. They use a lot of electricity, especially if they are running for long periods of time.

• Limit the use of electric heaters. Electric heaters are high wattage appliances and their use will add up! They are best used to heat small spaces as supplemental heater. If you are using an electric heater for supplemental heat, try and use them just to take the chill off the room and then shut them off.