We can conserve energy by making upgrades to our houses, like adding insulation and replacing windows. But we can also decrease household energy use just by making simple changes to what we do in our homes each day.
Here are some tips from the Change Habits For Climate Guide:
- Use a programmable thermostat
- Change or clean your furnace filter monthly during the cold season
- Instead of turning up the heat when you feel a little chilly, consider putting on a sweater
- Use a fan instead of air conditioning
- Open the blinds on winter days to take advantage of the heat and light
- Close the blinds on summer days to block the heat
- Use smaller appliances, if possible, toaster ovens, microwaves and slow cookers use less energy than the stove, even if cooking takes longer
- Set your appliances to the eco-setting
- If you're replacing an appliance, look for the Energy Star logo, a voluntary labelling program to identify and promote energy-efficient products
- Use no-power alternatives such as a clothesline, hand-powered tools and stairs
For more details on these and other tips, check out the Energy section of the Change Habits For Climate Guide.