NEW 2010 Summer Energy Savings Program - POWER PLEDGE
Program runs from April 22 - August 31, 2010, Visit www.powerpledge.ca for further information.
It's simple to save if you participate in these 3 electricity conservation programs from ALGOMA POWER INC. in cooperation with the Ontario Power Authority.
1. Get rid of the old guzzler. That old, inefficient second fridge of yours is wasting between $120 - $150 per year in electricity. Book an appointment today and we will come pick it up for FREE. Fridge/freezer must be at least 15 years old and in working order. Terms & conditions apply. We'll even haul it out of your basement for you and take care of it in an environmentally responsible manner. When we are finished recycling and reclaiming material, very little will be sent to the landfill! To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit www.everykilowattcounts.ca/roundup or call 1-877-797-9473.
2. Small Business? Be part of the blitz! The Power Saving Blitz provides qualifying small businesses with FREE (subject to terms & conditions of the program) electricity saving products and installation (valued up to $1,000) with the aim of helping businesses become more energy-efficient. To schedule an appointment or learn more call 1-866-423-0258.
3. Bigger Business? The Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) offers incentives to assist commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural businesses conserve energy through high-efficiency electrical retrofits. Check out the Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program at www.everykilowattcounts.ca/erip for more information.
Spring Energy Saving Tips
Warm weather is coming and now is the time to think about saving energy before it's so hot that you just don't care anymore. Here are some quick tips for cooling for home without spending any more money than is necessary.
Spring-Cleaning Spring-cleaning involves making sure all the fans in your home are working properly and are dust-free. Regularly wash or replace filters.
Change the Airflow on your Ceiling Fan Make sure you change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fan. In the winter, let the fan push warm air toward the floor and in the summer, switch the direction and draw air upward, cooling the room and ensuring constant airflow.
Insulated, Thermal-Backed Drapes In preparing for the summer, consider investing in some insulated, thermal-backed drapes for your windows.
Air Conditioning System Before buying an air conditioning unit or system, find out its energy efficiency ratio. Remember to buy the smallest capacity unit or system that will meet your needs.
Attic Ventilators Have you ever thought about installing an attic ventilator? An attic ventilating system draws cool air up through the house and can provide the same level of comfort as an air conditioner at a much lower cost. Pump in cool air during summer evenings then seal your home during the day. Attic ventilation can help lower winter heating bills too.
Check for Air Leaks Have a look at your foundation walls. If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for air leasks by looking for spider webs. If there's a web, there's a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an uninsulated basement.
Inspect Sliding Doors Does your home have a sliding glass door! Make sure to keep its track clean. A dirty track can ruin the door's seal and create gaps where heat or cold air can escape.
Lawn Mowers If you have the choice, consider choosing an electric-powered lawn mower. Gas-powered lawn mowers emit greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change whereas electric-powered lawn mowers don't emit such gases.
Refrigerator Condenser Coils When dust and pet hair build up on your refrigerator's condenser coils, the motor works harder and uses more electricity. As part of your spring-cleaning routine, make sure the coils are cleaned and air can circulate freely.
Refrigerator Seals Don't forget to check the seals on your refrigerator door to make sure they are clean and tight. Your refrigerator accounts for up to 11 percent of your household's total energy use, which can have a major impact on your energy bill.
Summer Energy Tips
Air Conditioner During the evening hours, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows if there is a cool breeze. Turn off the air conditioner and any fans before you leave the house, even if you're going out for a few minutes. It only takes a few minutes to get the house to a comfortable temperature after turning the air conditioner on.
Drapes/Blinds Shut the drapes or blinds during the hottest time of the day or when you're leaving for work in the morning.
Clothing & Liquids Dress in cool, light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink plenty of liquids, frequently.
Simple Energy Conservation Tips & Techniques
Space Heating & Cooling
1. Install a programmable thermostat to manage the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home, especially when you are not home or sleeping.
2. Consider having a home energy audit done if you feel your home is too drafty.
3. Caulk, seal & weatherstrip windows to keep heat in during the winter and cool in during the summer.
4. Use plastic window film or removable caulking on windows not in use during the winter.
Electric Hot Water Tanks
1. If you reduce the amount of hot water you use during peak periods, you also reduce the amount of electricity you use during these times.
2. Wrap an electric hot water tank with an insulating blanket, especially when located in an unheated area.
3. Insulate water pipes leaving the hot water tank.
4. Replace the old electric water heater with a new tankless water heater, which heats water only on-demand.
Fridges & Freezers
1. Owning a second older fridge may be costing you up to $150 a year. If you use the freezer occasionally, consider removing it with the Great Refrigerator Roundup. Please call 1-877-797-9473 to book an appointment.
2. Vaccum and clean the coils to remove dust on the back and/or under the fridge. Make sure there is enough air space between the fridge and the wall.
3. Avoid overfilling the fridge or the freezer. They are most efficient when 2/3 full.
4. Don't let frost in the freezer exceed 1/4 inch. Defrost regularly but don't use a sharp object to remove ice as you could puncture the walls.
5. Ideal fridge temperature is 1 to 5 degrees C, ideal freezer temperature is -15 to -20 degrees C.
Winter Energy Tips
1. Enter and exit your home quickly. Everytime an exterior door opens, a large amount of heat escapes.
2. Use sweaters and blankets if y ou feel cold.
3. For homes with high ceilings, circulate heated air by using your furnace blower, ceiling or portable fan running at a low speed.
4. Keep drapes and blinds closed at night. Drapes add a very small extra layer of insulation to your windows. Turn blind louvers down toward the ground to help divert heat back into the room instead of trapping it between the blinds and the window.
5. Keep heating/cooling registers and grilles open and unobstructed by furniture.
6. Close off unoccupied rooms and shut the heat vents.
7. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilation fans sparingly. Turn them off just as soon as they have done their job.
8. Lower the thermostat to 20 degrees C or lower during the day and not lower than 15 degrees C at night. This can save you about 3% on your heating during the day and about 1% on your heating at night.
9. Keep windows and doors tightly closed.
10. Check and replace any loose weather stripping. Hold a feather up to the seams to help you see where outside air is coming in. Remove your screens, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment and store.
11.Test your furnace and replace the filter. Change filters at least every two months in the winter.
