Install programmable thermostats to automatically set back temperature at night or when you are away from home. takeCHARGE offers rebates for programmable and high efficiency thermostats.
Upgrade the insulation in your basement or crawl space to a minimum of R20, and your attic to R40 and apply for a takeCHARGE rebate.
Install a hot water heater blanket if your hot water heater is in a non-insulated basement area. Check your warranty to see if this is an acceptable option for your unit.
When purchasing new appliances and electronics, always choose ENERGY STAR® for the highest standard of energy efficiency and the lowest energy costs.
Install ENERGY STAR® windows in your home and apply for a takeCHARGE rebate.
When buying a new electric range, look for the most energy efficient model available.
If your heating system is at the end of its useful life, consider installing a heat pump. Heat pumps are the most energy efficient heating systems available.
When installing or replacing recessed lighting fixtures, consider airtight fixtures that reduce or eliminate air leakage and loss of cooled or heated air.
When purchasing a freezer, choose an ENERGY STAR® chest freezer. They are 10-25% more efficient than upright models.
Purchase an ENERGY STAR® front loading washer. They use 40% less water and 50% less energy than top-loading models.
Caulk and weather strip around doors, windows, and attic hatches. Seal gaps where phone, cable and electrical wires enter the home.
Use foam gaskets under electric switches and outlets.
If you do not have storm or thermal windows, cover the inside of your windows tightly with plastic or purchase a window kit.
Insulate the first two metres of the hot water pipe leading from your hot water heater with pipe insulation.
Install low-flow showerheads in your bathrooms and low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Buy an electric kettle with an automatic shut off.
Use sensors or timers on your exterior lighting to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents light bulbs.
Seek alternate cooking sources such as a pressure cooker, toaster oven or microwave oven. Smaller appliances generally use less energy.
Switch your interior and exterior holiday lights to Light Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lights.
Set back thermostats by 5°C at night or when you are away from home.
Use task lighting – higher wattage lights for tasks such as reading and lower wattage for general lighting such as watching television.
Computers, fax machines, TVs, CD players and cable boxes, consume energy even when not in use because of their standby features. Unplug them when you go on vacation.
If you have a fireplace, close the flue damper when it’s not in use.
Use kitchen and bathroom fans sparingly. Ventilation fans can extract all of your home’s heat in 2 to 3 hours.
Set the dishwasher to energy or water saver mode and air dry dishes instead of heat drying.
Turn off your electric water heater at the electric panel if you will be away from home for more than one week.
Set the temperature inside your refrigerator to the mid-level setting, usually 4°C.
Wash and rinse laundry in cold water.
Clean your dryer lint trap after each load; this will help decrease drying time and reduce the risk of fire.
Savings at Home 
