Make small changes that add up

1. Use the microwave to reheat food: it’s the most energy-efficient.
2. Dishwasher:
   • Buy an ENERGY STAR^® certified dishwasher: use 12% less energy
   • Scrape the dishes, don’t rinse: let the dishwasher do the rest.
   • Use the air dry feature.
   • Assess each load: use the setting with the best cleaning function in the shortest amount of time.
3. Install an ENERGY STAR certified range hood to use up to 70% less energy than a standard one.
4. Fridge:
   • Shop for an ENERGY STAR certified fridge: use 9 % less energy.
   • Allow air to flow: don’t overfill your fridge.
   • Keep the fridge away from heat sources (vent, oven, sunlight, etc.).
   • For kitchen faucets, install an aerator whose flow rate is less than 7.0 L/min.

1. Look for an ENERGY STAR certified TV when buying a TV to use 25% less energy.
2. Find the ENERGY STAR symbol when you buy a cordless phone (40% savings compared to other models).
3. Find the ENERGY STAR symbol when you buy audio and video products (up to 70% savings compared to standard models).
4. Buy ENERGY STAR certified recessed lighting fixtures (pot lights): use up to 90% less energy than traditional models with incandescent bulbs.
5. Use a smart power strip to turn off the power to devices not in use.
6. Choose ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs: they last 15 times longer than incandescent ones.

1. Enable low power settings on your computer to save energy and help your battery last longer. 
2. Use a smart power strip to reduce energy waste when equipment is on standby or off.
3. Buy ENERGY STAR certified light fixtures to use up to 90% less energy than traditional models with incandescent bulbs.
4. Seal areas of air leakage around all window and door casings, mouldings, and baseboards to stop cool air from escaping in summer and warm air from escaping in winter. Read Keeping the Heat In to learn how.
5. Purchase ENERGY STAR certified office equipment to use 25% to 40% less energy.

1. Install foam insulation gaskets behind electrical outlet faceplates on exterior walls. Read Keeping the Heat In to learn how.
2. Switch to ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs and save up to 90% more energy than incandescent ones.
3. Keep air flowing by not obstructing vents or return air grills with furniture.
4. Use ENERGY STAR certified computer monitors to save 25% more energy than standard models.
5. Seal cracks and openings around penetrations (vents, pipes, etc.) in the walls, ceilings or floors to prevent air from escaping into the walls and roof.

1. Choose a more energy-efficient door (up to 25%). An ENERGY STAR exterior door has better insulation, which helps reduce unwanted heat transfer from the conditioned space to the outside.
2. Install an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat to take control of your cooling.
3. Apply weatherstripping around older exterior doors to prevent cool air from escaping in the summer and warm air from escaping in the winter.
4. Turn off lights when they are not in use.

1. Furnace:
   • Choose an ENERGY STAR certified furnace with an efficiency rating of at least 95% for gas, 85% for oil.
   • Look for a gas furnace that has been awarded the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient mark to save even more when you buy .
   • Change or clean filters every 3 months or as they become dirty.
   • Clean and service regularly: Oil-fired furnaces need annual maintenance but natural gas and propane furnaces should be serviced at least every two years.
   • Consider replacing your furnace with an electric heat pump once it reaches end of life. Heat pumps are 2 to 4 times more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems.
2. Ducts:
   • Seal all supply duct work with aluminum foil duct tape, approved flexible plastic tape or water-based mastic to improve comfort.
   • Make sure heating, cooling and ventilation ducts running through basements, crawl spaces or unheated attics are sealed and insulated.
   • Ensure your heat, cooling and ventilation distribution system is balanced. Undersized ductwork, leaking ducts, and return air grilles that are inadequate or poorly placed can cause discomfort and higher heating bills. Find a professional to inspect your system if you suspect a heating or cooling problem.

1. Look into an air source heat pump (ASHP): it is energy-efficient and can supply both heating and cooling for your home. Keep your ASHP or air conditioner clear of bushes or debris that could restrict air flow.
2. Say yes to installing a solar energy system: a safe, reliable, low-maintenance source of electricity that helps reduce your electrical costs and produces no pollution or emissions.
3. Keep your heat or energy recovery ventilator running smoothly by inspecting and cleaning outside hoods and screens.

Important: Consult the owner’s manual for maintenance and details of all heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.