Energy Saving Tips

Saving energy not only helps reduce energy bills but also benefits the environment. In this guide, we will explore practical and easy-to-implement energy-saving tips that can make a positive impact on both your wallet and the planet.

Energy-efficiency tips for your home

Transforming your home into an energy-efficient space is a smart choice for your wallet and the environment.

  • Close the oven while cooking 
  • Cool food before placing it in the fridge 
  • Avoid using your oven during the summer 
  • Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer 
  • Do not use the heat-dry setting for the dishwasher 
  • Use the microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven 
  • Cover pots and pans while cooking 
  • Turn off your stove's burners early when cooking 
  • When you buy new appliances, look for ones with the Energy Star label

  • Add a towel to the dryer
  • Fill your washer to capacity
  • Regularly clean your dryer's lint filter

Phantom load means the energy used by things like appliances or gadgets even when they are switched off.

  • Unplug them or use power bars and turn them off when you are not using them

  • Turn off your water heater when leaving home for a few days
  • Take shorter showers or choose showering over taking baths
  • Repair leaky toilets

Temperature and lighting

Smart ways to control temperature and lighting in your home can save you money and make your space more comfortable.

  • Lower your furnace temperature
  • Adjust your thermostat wisely
  • Check that your ceiling fans are spinning in the correct direction
  • Smart Thermostat: It can save you about 12% on your energy bills. Some may even have discounts available.

  • Use natural light
  • Use task lighting
  • Switch to LED Bulbs: These bulbs use way less energy than other types.
  • Automate Lights: You can set timers or use smart light bulbs that turn off when you don't need them.

The 3 Steps to An Energy Efficient Home

Follow these steps to reduce your environmental footprint and create a greener, more sustainable living space.

Step 1: The building envelope

The building envelope is like your home's protective shell. It includes walls, roof, doors, and windows, keeping the inside cozy and safe from the outside elements.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Upgrade your insulation
  • Stop the leaks
  • Upgrade your windows and/or doors

Step 2: Heating and cooling

Make your home cozier and eco-friendly by improving your heating and cooling system. It includes things like heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers, which use a lot of energy. By upgrading, you can save money and help the environment.

Upgrade your equipment with energy-efficient devices and switch to electrical heating and cooling systems from fuel systems. Here are some tips:

  • Start with building envelope upgrades
  • Once your building envelope is efficient, focus on your heating or cooling systems to find the right-sized equipment.
  • Replace equipment at the end of its life, such as your furnace, for a retrofit

Step 3: Renewables

When we use more electricity from clean sources, our emissions drop, and we create a higher demand for eco-friendly power. This is where renewables step in:

  • Solar: Solar panels are a top choice for renewable energy in Kingston homes, but you will need sunny space and advice from an expert.
  • Geothermal: A geothermal HVAC system can handle heating, cooling, and hot water, helping you cut energy use and save money.
  • Battery Back-up: For storing renewable energy or as a backup during emergencies, consider a home battery. Multiple options are available to keep your household running during power outages.

Tip: A home powered by renewable energy with battery storage increases resilience during extreme weather and outages.

Welcome to your Energy Efficient Home!

Contact

Program Manager
Better Homes Kingston
betterhomes@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-217-7281

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.

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