Canadians use energy to heat water, operate appliances and cool, heat and light their homes. Heating and cooling account for much of the total household energy usage, but households can keep your electricity bill check in line over the winter.
They also use a great deal of energy for running appliances and other devices. Sources of energy include natural gas (47% of households), electricity (37%), oil, propane and wood.
The rising costs of natural gas and electricity as well as their impact on the environment call for householders to curb their energy consumption to cut energy costs and reduce their environmental impact. Factors such as household size, climate and fuel prices affect energy consumption.
Keep Your Electricity Bill Check In Line
In spite of these factors, every household could implement steps to reduce overall energy consumption and watch your electricity bill check. Consider the following suggestions to watch your electricity bill check and save money on your electricity this winter.
Cut Phantom Power
A great deal of your energy consumption might be due to phantom power, which is the electricity that keeps electronics on standby. Your computer, microwave, television, game console, cordless phone and other plugged-in devices use energy even when you turn them off.
While they won’t consume a lot individually, the phantom loads add up collectively over time and account for 15% of your overall electricity usage. A programmable power bar presents one of the simplest solutions for reducing phantom power. Use it to charge your electronics, and then turn them off in one click.
Change Your Lights
Switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and use 75 percent less energy than your standard bulbs. The average Canadian household has approximately 30 light fixtures, which can add up to $250 for lighting every year.
Replace the bulbs in high traffic areas, and you’ll save at least $30 yearly. CFLs cost more than standard bulbs, but they last longer and pay for themselves in energy savings in a few months. Remember to turn off the lights in vacant rooms, and you’ll save even more on your electricity bills and keep those energy bills in check.