Taking the Challenge Home

It takes a lot of energy to keep our homes comfortable, as our ever-rising utility bills will attest! So much energy in fact that the energy we use around the house accounts for 50% of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are some simple common sense actions you can take that will save you money and reduce your GHG emissions getting you closer to your one-tonne goal.

Home Heating

Install one of today€™s energy efficient furnaces
It can save you up to 25% of your home heating costs each year, reduce your GHGs and, depending on the efficiency of your old furnace, pay you back for its higher initial cost in about seven years.

Keep your furnace well maintained
Keep your furnace well maintained and change or clean furnace filters every couple of months. Dirty air filters block airflow and can damage the heat exchanger.

Lower your thermostat
For every 1°C (2°F) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% on your heating bill. A reduction of 3°C (5°F) at night and when you are away during the day provides optimal savings.

Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks
Get a professional to help you reduce your home heating needs by up to 20% by getting rid of drafts and leaks around windows, doors, baseboards and attic hatches. At the same time, seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets; on inside walls, use childproof plugs or combination cover plates

Upgrade your insulation
Upgrade your insulation in walls, the basement and attic. Insulating your basement walls and attic can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30%.

Keep window curtains open during the day in winter
This allows passive solar energy into your home and can save you up to 5% on home heating. Close the curtains in the evening.

Install a ceiling fan
Change the direction of the fan to push warm air down in the winter. This especially benefits houses with electric baseboards or high cathedral ceilings. If you need a fan with lights, choose one with compact fluorescent lights to further reduce electricity use and heat build-up in summer.