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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.