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Author: Alyssa Heuchert

Kick the winter blues

SAFELY ENJOY THE GREAT MANITOBA OUTDOORS THIS WINTER

January and February can be long, cold months. The holidays are behind us and we’re inevitably starting to dream about the warmer weather to come. Rather than letting the cold bring us down, let’s kick the winter blues to the curb and take advantage of what Manitoba has to offer!

There are so many winter activities to enjoy throughout Manitoba. Here are a few of our favourites:

HIT THE SLOPES

Whether you’re an avid snowboarder or skier or are looking for a new winter activity to try, a trip to the slopes could be the perfect weekend getaway for you and your family.

Asessippi is the biggest ski hill in Manitoba. They have a lot of options when it comes to accommodation, as well as a variety of runs available to suit your skill level. The tubing park and terrain park can also make for a fun-filled day!

Nestled in the woods along Falcon Lake, Falcon Ridge is a ski resort that offers 12 runs, a tube run with a lift, and 30 kilometres of Nordic ski trails that are free for anyone to use. You can also visit SpringHill Winter Sports Park, Ski Valley, and many others throughout our province.

GO ICE FISHING

A Manitoba staple, ice fishing is another fun activity to do with friends and family. Our abundance of lakes and rivers makes it an accessible activity no matter where you’re located. Thanks to our long winter season, you’ll have ample opportunity to catch some fish. Just be sure to get your fishing license before heading out on the ice!

LACE UP YOUR SKATES

There are lots of skating trails and rinks throughout Manitoba. A classic for Winnipeggers is the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks which offers skating under the canopy, winding trails throughout the grounds, and skate rentals if you’re new to the activity! The Flats in Neepawa and the Victoria Park Skating Path in Souris are also great options outside of Manitoba’s capital.

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New year’s energy-saving resolutions

NEW YEAR, NEW ENERGY-SAVING HABITS

The start of the new year is the perfect time to set new goals and begin new routines. Why not add energy-saving resolutions to your list? We’ve put together a list of simple changes that you can add to your everyday routine to help you save energy and money!

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

  1. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use:
    Did you know some appliances and electronics can draw power even when they’re turned off? This is commonly referred to as “phantom energy” and occurs when devices and appliances use electricity when they’re plugged in but not being used. Consider unplugging your coffee maker, gaming consoles, and phone charger when you’re not using them. You can also purchase a couple of advanced power strips that will shut devices down when they’ve gone into standby mode.
  2. Run full loads when doing the laundry or running the dishwasher:
    Whether you’re using your clothes washer or dishwasher, make sure you’re running full loads whenever possible. This can cut down on water consumption and energy use, saving you money and helping the environment.
  3. Turn off the lights when you leave the room:
    We know it’s easy to leave a room and forget to turn the lights off, but good habits start today! We also suggest switching to LED lighting (which uses up to 80% less electricity than incandescent lighting), or even make the switch to smart LED bulbs. Not only do smart LEDs have some cool features, like an array of colours to choose from or the ability to sync with music or your TV, they’re also adjustable at the touch of a button! All you need is an app on your phone and you can control your home’s lighting from anywhere.
  4. Turn down your thermostat:
    Turning your thermostat down by just a couple degrees can lead to big savings! Consider programming your thermostat to reduce your indoor air temperature slightly while you’re sleeping or not at home. A smart thermostat can make this even easier – plus, we offer a $100 rebate on ENERGY STAR® certified devices. This offer ends March 31, 2022.
  5. Unplug and enjoy the outdoors:
    Rather than spending your free time inside, make it a priority to unplug, get outside, and enjoy what Manitoba has to offer. It can be as simple as going for a daily walk or you can make a day of it trying your luck at ice fishing. The time spent outdoors instead of cooped up inside is beneficial for your physical and mental health as well as the environment.

TAKE OUR VIRTUAL ENERGY REVIEW

If you’re curious about how much energy your home is using, take our virtual energy review! It’s a simple way to get some insight into how much energy your home’s heating system is using and how you can start saving. You just need to answer a few questions about your home; the tool will generate a customized home energy use report and recommend energy-saving opportunities that make sense for you.

GET YOUR FREE REPORT NOW
in ENERGY SAVING TIPS, GREEN LIVING

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Save energy at home this fall

The days are getting shorter, the kids are back in school, and everything is suddenly pumpkin spiced. These are just some of the tell-tale signs of fall! Here are some of our top energy-saving tips to make sure your home is just as ready for sweater weather as you are:

  1. Have your furnace serviced to be sure it’s operating efficiently. Change the filter, too.
  2. Lower the temperature on your thermostat at night and when you’re not at home. This is especially easy to do with a programmable or smart thermostat.
  3. Stop air leakage in its tracks by caulking and sealing gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, and electrical outlets.
  4. If you have a wood fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when you’re not using your fireplace. This way, warm air won’t escape up your chimney. (Don’t forget to open it when you light your next cozy fire, though!)
  5. Use window insulating kits on the insides of your windows. They’re easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and help to reduce chilly drafts. Learn more about air sealing and weatherstripping by checking out this helpful article written by one of our engineers!
  6. Install LED bulbs. They use up to 80% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
  7. Let the light in! Keep window blinds open during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warm rays.
  8. Properly using your natural gas equipment and appliances is important. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector that can alert you to dangerous levels of CO gas.
  9. Clean your vents, radiators, or baseboard heating so air flows efficiently.
  10. Adjust your heat recovery ventilator (HRV) control to match your ventilation needs. Also remember to adjust the humidity control seasonally. An advanced HRV control makes this easy, and we offer a $150 rebate. For tips on how to get the most out of your HRV, check out this helpful article.
in ENERGY SAVING TIPS

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All About Energy Modelling

Design and construction practices are moving in the direction of performance-based standards. If you’re building a new home or a new commercial building, investing in energy modelling is a great way to get on board.

What is Energy Modelling?

Energy modelling is a process used to estimate the energy consumption of a building, typically on an annual basis. Information about climate, orientation, design geometry, building materials, and mechanical and electrical systems is collected. All this data is then entered into a software program to determine the overall energy use of the building’s design.

The information can then be used to compare a proposed building to a similar existing building, a specified energy target or building code requirement, and/or to assign a performance rating.

Energy modelling is typically carried out by design team members who use the modelling results to provide advice and consultation to building owners, project teams, and individuals.

Why do Energy Modelling?

Cost-benefit Analysis Tool

Energy modelling allows you to determine the impact on the building early in the design process so you can select the materials, technologies, and processes that will bring the most value to your project. There are many variables like design geometry, solar orientation, mechanical systems, and more that can be adjusted in the context of energy costs to determine the best fit with your specific objectives and budget.

Meet Targets or Achieve Compliance

Energy modelling can also be used to help meet other objectives like determining eligibility for rebate or certificate programs or demonstrating compliance with performance-based building codes.

Reduce Costs

Not only does using energy modelling early in the design process help you identify ways to save energy, but it also helps you save money and reduce the need for costly modifications and changes down the road.

Energy Modelling is the Future

Modern building codes and construction practices are already moving in the direction of performance-based standards. In the future, it’s expected that energy modelling will be a necessary part of the integrated design process.

How to Get Started?

Efficiency Manitoba offers rebates for the costs of hiring an energy modeller if you are:

BUILDING A
NEW HOME
CONSTRUCTING A NEW
COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Energy Modelling for New Homes

Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program offers rebates for the cost of hiring an energy modeller when designing your new home.

Find out more about residential energy modelling when designing new homes here.

in ENERGY SAVING TIPS, GREEN LIVING

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Advice for hiring a contractor

ASK OUR ENERGY TEAM

Are you ready to get started on that home project you’ve been thinking about? If you’re ready to go, the first step to the project is hiring a contractor. Finding the right contractor for your energy efficiency project is important and helps to ensure your project moves smoothly and in the right direction.

There are many ways you can find a local contractor. You can ask friends and family for their recommendations, do an online search for contractors (look for great reviews), or visit Better Business Bureau listings online. If you choose to go the referral route, make sure to ask your friends and family if the contractor lived up to their expectations, if they delivered what they agreed to, and if they had any issues during the project.

Contractor Estimates

Before you go-ahead with a contractor, we recommend talking to and getting quotes from at least three contractors. When you’re requesting an estimate, each one should include:

  • cost of labour, equipment, and materials (names, models, size, etc.);
  • total cost, including taxes and permit fees;
  • expected payment schedule;
  • estimated work start and completion dates;
  • a statement that the contractor carries liability insurance and Workers Compensation coverage;
  • warranties or guarantees;
  • what contractor cleanup during the work and on completion;
  • homeowner vs. contractor responsibilities;
  • a statement that the contractor will instruct the homeowner on the operation and maintenance of any equipment and provide any required operation manuals.

Questions to ask Contractors

On top of asking for a quote, you may also want to ask them some questions about their business, including:

  • What form of agreement do you require before undertaking work in a home?
  • Do you carry property damage and public liability insurance?
  • How many projects similar to this have you completed?
  • What are the names and phone numbers of two customers you have done work for in the last year whom I could call as references?
  • Are you and your staff members of a trade association or organization?
  • Aside from yourself, who will do the work (ie. employees, sub-trades)?

Get a Written Contract

Once you have chosen a contractor to work with, be sure to ask for a written contract. Do not sign an incomplete contract or make a verbal agreement with the contractor. A written contract is what helps resolve disputes if the work is unsatisfactory.

Before you sign the contract:

  • Read it carefully to make sure all the details in the estimate have been included.
  • Review the fine print and terms and conditions.
  • Be sure that both you and the contractor initial any changes to the work or standard conditions in the contract.

To participate in many of our programs, customers need to apply through a contractor or retailer that has registered with Efficiency Manitoba. Your chosen professional will fill out an application form with you or on your behalf and you will need to sign the application form accepting the terms and conditions of the program.  Be sure to keep a copy of this application form (electronic or printed) for your records. Note, most programs require that you and your contractor complete an application form and submit it to Efficiency Manitoba for approval prior to starting any work or purchasing materials.

If your chosen contractor or retailer is not registered with us, they can easily do so by visiting the Supplier Registration Page. It’s important to note, we cannot provide a list of registered suppliers nor does Efficiency Manitoba endorse any specific service professionals.

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Improve your home’s efficiency with high-performance windows

How old are your windows? Older windows are often poorly insulated and not airtight, so they let heat in during the summer and cold in during the winter. This makes your home less comfortable, forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder, and causes your monthly energy bills to go up.

High-performance windows can prevent drafts from leaking into your home – and stop money from slipping through your fingers. And if you’re thinking about upgrading your existing windows to high-performance models, you may be eligible for a rebate through our Windows and Doors Rebate offer!

BENEFITS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOWS

Energy savings

Multiple panes of glass, low-e coatings, and high-quality weatherstripping make high-performance windows energy efficient, which translates to energy savings for you.

Comfort

With reduced air leakage and glass with improved insulation, your home will feel more comfortable than ever.

Reduced condensation

Condensation forms when warm, humid air contacts a cold surface. We usually see condensation on windows when the temperature drops because they tend to be the coldest indoor surfaces. High-performance windows allow for a comfortable level of humidity in your home without creating condensation.

Noise reduction

The additional panes of glass and increased airtightness create a buffer from outside noise, making your home more peaceful.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Make sure you check the following properties before you invest in high-performance windows:

Ventilation

Windows fall into two broad categories: fixed and operable. Fixed windows are less expensive and more airtight since there are no moving parts. Operable windows, on the other hand, provide ventilation and are available in sliding, casement, awning, and tilt and turn styles.

Triple pane glazing

Windows with three panes of glass (or triple pane glazing) have greater insulation properties than single or dual pane windows. They are the most common type of energy-efficient windows available today.

Low-emissivity (low-e) coating

A low-e coating is an invisible metallic coating that’s applied to the glass. There are different types of low-e coating, each with specific properties. Some keep heat inside during the heating season, some reduce heat from the summer sun, and some help block harmful UV rays. A knowledgeable sales representative can help you choose the best coating for your needs.

Insulating spacers

Insulating spacers, also known as “warm edge” spacers, provide a thermal break between the window panes to keep the edges of the glass warmer. This reduces condensation around the edges of your windows.

Argon gas fill

To reduce heat loss, consider argon gas fill. Argon is an inert gas that acts as insulation between the panes of your window.

Low U-value

The rate of heat loss is determined by the U-value of a window. You want to look for windows with a low U-value because they have better insulating properties.

High energy rating (ER)

Look for windows with a high Energy Rating (or ER). A window’s ER combines the U-value, air leakage, and solar heat gain into a single number for an overall rating.

ENERGY STAR®

When you’re shopping, look for ENERGY STAR certified windows. They’ve been tested to meet strict requirements for energy performance, they’re specifically designed for harsh climates, and they’re suitable for homes in Manitoba. Windows with the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient designation provide the best energy performance.

MAXIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS

If you’re not ready to upgrade to high-performance windows just yet, there are steps you can take to make your existing windows as energy efficient as possible:

  • Reduce air leakage by caulking gaps between the trim and wall, and between the trim and window frame.
  • Install or replace old or damaged weatherstripping on operable windows.
  • Pick up a window insulating film kit. Sealing your windows with plastic film provides an additional barrier to reduce drafts.
  • Use storm windows. They create an insulated air space that reduces condensation and heat loss/gain, and they can prolong the life of your interior windows.

TALK TO A CONTRACTOR

Before you start shopping for high-performance windows, it might be worth speaking with an expert who can point you in the right direction and help you make sure you’re purchasing the right windows for your home.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three different contractors and choosing one that provides the best value (rather than the lowest price). Learn more about hiring a contractor.

GET A REBATE

We offer rebates on select ENERGY STAR certified windows to keep you comfortable and save you energy and money. Homeowners can get a rebate of $100 per qualifying opening when replacing existing windows.

Once you’ve installed your new high-performance windows, fill out our online application form and we’ll send you a rebate. It’s that simple.

FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY
in ENERGY SAVING TIPS, GREEN LIVING

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Identifying Ways to Save

When it comes to improving your business’s bottom line, knowing how to find ways to save energy can be a daunting task. At Efficiency Manitoba, we want to help take the weight off.

We can help you save money by offering a variety of services that will measure, track, and identify the ways you can reduce electric and natural gas energy in your facility.

Once we work together on the concept, Efficiency Manitoba offers technical and financial support to help you implement the project. We work with you from the concept stage right up to completion of your energy efficiency project.

A Service to Fit Your Needs

Whether you’re looking for a high-level investigation of your energy use or help with developing the details on a specific project, Efficiency Manitoba can help.

Energy Efficiency Assessments

If you’re interested in gaining a better understanding of your facility’s energy use consider an Energy Efficiency Assessment. At no cost to you, we will provide a high-level look at your facility’s energy consumption and identify the big energy uses and help find potential opportunities for energy saving projects. All you have to do is complete an assessment questionnaire and our experts will complete a site walk-through and create a report based on their findings, including identifying projects that are eligible for our Custom Energy Solutions Program.

Benchmark

If you’re looking for a more detailed look at the performance of a particular system in your facility, choose a benchmark study. At no cost to you, Benchmark studies analyze system performance to help identify ways to optimize your existing equipment or appropriately size new equipment. If you’re interested, contact our energy team to see if your business qualifies.

Feasibility Study

At Efficiency Manitoba, we provide financial support for a comprehensive Feasibility Study of a specific energy efficiency project. The study is done by a third-party consultant of your choosing and offers a more detailed assessment compared to Benchmark studies, which only look at the performance of a particular system in your facility. If you have a project that you think could result in electrical or natural gas savings but aren’t sure how to quantify the technical viability, potential savings and project economics, you may be eligible for a Feasibility Study.

Custom Energy Solutions Program

Efficiency Manitoba offers technical and financial support to implement your project through the Custom Energy Solutions Program. If interested, contact our energy team to find out how we can help you.

Whichever pre-project service works best for you, Efficiency Manitoba also offers technical and financial support to implement your project through the Custom Energy Solutions Program Energy Efficiency Assessments. Contact our energy team to find out how we can help you.

in ENERGY SAVING TIPS, OFFERS

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Cool your refrigeration energy use

If you operate a grocery store, convenience store, or a restaurant you know how high your overall energy bill can be, especially on the refrigeration equipment alone. In a typical grocery store, refrigeration can account for over 50% of the energy bill. But, it doesn’t have to be that way—there are many ways you can save energy in your space. There are many ways to improve the efficiency of your equipment without replacing your current refrigeration system.

Below, we outline the ways you can manage your existing refrigeration equipment to save energy and money.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR GROCERY, RESTAURANT, AND CONVENIENCE STORES

  1. Perform regular maintenance tasks including cleaning debris from the evaporator and condenser coils, check and service belts, filters, compressor lines, gaskets, door latches, fan blades, and refrigerant charge.
  2. Check operating temperatures regularly. These checks help maintain consistent temperatures and set thermostats to avoid overcooling merchandise.
  3. Educate your employees about energy conservation measures. Post signs to remind staff to shut off lights and close doors.
  4. Load all coolers and freezers properly. Try to avoid over and underloading by leaving a 1” gap on the sides and a 4” gap at the back to allow a steady flow of air.
  5. Avoid heat buildup by using as few lights as possible. To illuminate refrigerated space interiors, consider upgrading to LEDs.
  6. To minimize cool air loss, consider installing automatic door closers.
  7. Install night covers to open cases to reduce energy consumption during your unoccupied hours.

Take advantage of Efficiency Manitoba’s many available incentives for commercial refrigeration equipment upgrades or replacements.

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How to buy an appliance

In the market for new appliances? Buying the right one doesn’t have to be overwhelming or confusing. Knowing what to look for can help you make the best and most energy-efficient choice for you and your family. Here are some helpful pointers to guide you in the right direction.

Labels, labels everywhere

You may have noticed that appliances in a store’s showroom have multiple labels. But don’t panic – let us tell you what they really mean.

EnerGuide

All appliances, regardless of their efficiency, have an EnerGuide label. This label lets you know the appliance meets the minimum levels required by Canada’s energy efficiency regulations. It also estimates how much energy the appliance uses in a year, and compares its energy performance against similar models.

ENERGY STAR®

ENERGY STAR is an internationally-recognized program that identifies the most efficient products available for purchase. If you notice that an appliance has a blue ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it’s in the top 10 to 30% of its class in energy performance.

ENERGY STAR Most Efficient

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation is awarded every year to products that are considered to be the “best of the best” in terms of energy efficiency and innovation. These models are generally in the top 15% of their class for energy performance.

The “second price tag”

An appliance’s price tag only tells part of the story. It’s important to consider the “second price tag,” or the cost to operate the appliance over its lifetime. Although an energy-efficient product might cost more at the register, it’ll likely save you more money over time than a less expensive and less efficient model.

Tips for buying an energy-efficient fridge

  • Buy an ENERGY STAR certified fridge. Looking for that label is the easiest way to choose an energy-efficient model.
  • Choose the right size. The larger the fridge, the more energy it will use. Decide how much room your family needs and don’t go any larger than necessary.
  • Consider buying a fridge with a top-mounted freezer. These fridges tend to use less energy than side-by-side or bottom-freezer models.
  • Decide if you really need features like a cold water or automatic ice dispenser. These features increase the upfront cost of the fridge as well as its energy consumption.

Tips for buying an energy-efficient laundry pair

  • We’ll say it again…buy ENERGY STAR!
  • Consider buying a front-load clothes washer – these tend to use less water than top-load models. This means clothes that come out of a front-load washer won’t need to spend as long in the dryer, saving you even more energy and money.
  • Look at the clothes washer’s Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF). A higher number means the washer uses energy more efficiently when washing clothes, heating the water, and sitting on standby.
  • Look at the clothes dryer’s Combined Energy Factor (CEF). The higher the CEF, the more efficient the dryer is.
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Get smart with your smart thermostat

More and more Manitobans are buying smart thermostats for their homes. These Wi-Fi connected devices look slick and are easy to use. But in order to actually save energy with your smart thermostat, you need to take full advantage of its many features.

There are many different smart thermostat brands and every model has the ability to help you save money on your energy bills. Here are some common features and how they work.

Scheduling

Just like programmable thermostats, smart thermostats allow you to set a schedule that changes the temperature in your home depending on the time of day. This way, you can have one energy-saving setting for when your family is away at school or work, and another more comfortable setting for when everyone is home.

During the summer months, we recommend programming your thermostat to increase the temperature by 4°C when everyone’s out of the house for extended periods of time. During the fall months, we recommend programming your thermostat to reduce the heating set-point by 4°C when you and your family are away for the day as well as overnight. Typically, by applying regular heating and cooling set-back scheduling on your smart thermostat for at least 8 hours a day, you can save up to 4% on your energy bills.

Geofencing

Some smart thermostat models allow you to set up geofencing. This is a feature that uses a combination of cell phone technologies – which commonly includes GPS, cellular data, and Wi-Fi – to create a perimeter around your home. When you leave (or enter) this perimeter, the temperature of your home will adjust automatically. This is a great feature to use if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule.

Remote access

Whether you’re in the comfort of your living room or away from home, access to your smart thermostat is right at your fingertips. Making changes to your heating and cooling schedule has never been more convenient.

For example, let’s say you and your family are on a camping trip and you forgot to adjust the temperature of your home before you left. By accessing your thermostat’s app, you can set your thermostat to an “away mode” or “vacation mode”. That way, you won’t miss valuable family time while saving energy and money.

Tracking & reporting

Are you curious as to how much energy you use and when? Many smart thermostats track and report on your energy consumption, savings, and usage patterns. Some can also send you notifications if it senses issues in your home, such as humidity problems, power outages, and unusually high or low temperatures.

Home automation

Do you have a smart home hub like the Amazon Echo or Google Home? You may be able to integrate it with your smart thermostat. That way, you can adjust your home’s temperature by saying a few simple words. Bonus: if you have other devices like smart LED bulbs, smart plugs, or even a smart doorbell, you may even be able to connect these to your hub and be well on your way to creating a fully-integrated “helpful home”.

Remember, every smart thermostat manufacturer has its own setup instructions, installation requirements, and features. Be sure to check out your thermostat’s user manual or website to find out what’s unique to your product.

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