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is place for text.Frequently Asked Questions
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Lighting:
Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
Major Appliances:
I have a separate chest freezer - is this costing me a lot to run, and how can I cut the cost?
Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to save energy with my refrigerator?
Is it a good idea to vent my clothes dryer inside to capture the extra heat in the winter?
What is the purpose of the "EnergyGuide" labels on appliances, and what do they tell me?
Can I save energy by using a microwave or toaster oven for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
Are there any simple ways I can save energy and money with my dishwasher?
How can I save energy and money on washing and drying clothes?
Water Heater:
How important is it to insulate my electric water heater?
What is the best temperature setting for my water heater?
How do I change the temperature setting on my water heater?
What size water heater should I have?
Aside from adjusting the temperature, are there other easy ways I can save on water heating?
Should I drain my water heater, and if so, how often?
Should I shut off my water heater if I plan to be away from home?
Insulation:
Is it a good idea to add additional insulation to my walls, and how is this done?
I've always heard that "heat rises". Why do I need to insulate my floors?
Various
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
How can I reduce the cost of operating my hot tub?
Can I save by unplugging appliances that are not in use?
Q. Is it a good idea to turn off lights when leaving a room? Don't they use more energy when they are first turned back on?
A. You should turn them off. Incandescent
or fluorescent lamps do not use any additional energy at start-up.
Q. Will compact fluorescents provide the same amount and quality of light as regular (incandescent) light bulbs?
A. As long as you use the correct
size or wattage, you will get the same amount of light, and today's
compact fluorescents have a much better quality of light and color
rendition than old fluorescents - you really should not notice a
difference.
Q. Can compact fluorescents be used in all types of fixtures?
A. There are several different
types and shapes of compact fluorescents available that should fit
most fixtures. In some cases an adapter may be necessary.
Q. I have a separate chest freezer - is this costing me a lot to run, and how can I cut the cost?
A. Refrigerators and freezers are
among the largest energy consumers in the average home. A separate
freezer makes economic sense when you can buy large quantities of
food and freeze it. If the freezer is empty or nearly empty, try
to use the freezer compartment in your refrigerator and turn off
the additional freezer.
Q. Are there any simple, inexpensive things I can do to save energy with my refrigerator?
A. Yes. Make sure the door gasket
fits snugly to keep the cold air inside, clean the coils (located
either on the bottom or the back) regularly, and avoid overfilling
the refrigerator - there needs to be enough room for the cold air
to circulate.
Q. Is it a good idea to vent my clothes dryer inside to capture the extra heat in the winter?
A. Definitely not. The heated air
blown out the vent also contains all of the moisture that has been
removed from the clothes. This moisture can cause problems ranging
from excessive condensation on windows to long-term structural damage.
Q. What is the purpose of the EneryGuide labels on appliances, and what do they tell me?
A. These labels allow you to compare
energy costs of comparable appliances. Most will have a horizontal
scale showing the least efficient model, the most efficient one,
and where that particular appliance falls on the scale. The labels
also have a table that allows you to estimate your annual energy
cost based on current electric rates. As with kilometer ratings
on automobiles, your actual cost may vary depending on usage.
Q. Can I save energy by using a microwave or toaster oven for cooking and defrosting frozen food?
A. Yes. Microwaves are excellent
for defrosting and reheating cooked food, and use much less electricity
than an electric range or oven. Toaster ovens also use less and
are good for heating or cooking small quantities of food.
Q. Are there any simple ways I can save energy and money with my dishwasher?
A. Run full loads whenever possible
(this also saves water), and use the "air dry" setting or open the
door after the cycle is completed, instead of using the "heated
dry" cycle.
Q. How can I save energy and money on washing and drying clothes?
A. Always use the lowest appropriate temperature settings (for both washers and dryers). If your washer has a water level setting, adjust the level to the load being washed. Avoid overdrying clothes, and always try to run full loads, in both the washer and dryer. Weather permitting, try using a "solar clothes dryer" (clothesline).
Q. How important is it to insulate my electric water heater?
A. It depends mainly on the location
and age of the water heater. If the water heater is in a cooler
area, more heat will be lost from the tank, making additional insulation
more important. Newer water heaters have more built-in insulation
than older ones, so you will save less by adding additional insulation.
In most cases, you can easily save enough to offset the cost of
the insulation, so unless your water heater has a label or sticker
telling you not to add insulation, it is usually a good idea. Don't
forget to insulate any exposed hot water pipes as well.
Q. What is the best temperature setting for my water heater?
A. For an electric water heater,
set the thermostat to 55°C (130°F). This is the recommended temperature
for health and safety. Bacteria can grow at lower temperatures,
and above this, you run a high risk of scalding as well as wasting
energy. Check the temperature at the faucet.
Q. How do I change the temperature setting on my water heater?
A. With an electric water heater,
the thermostat controls are behind the access panels on the side
of the water heater (there are usually two - one for each heating
element). Be sure to turn off the power to the water heater before
removing the access panels.
Q. What size water heater should I have?
A. It depends on family size and
lifestyle, but for the average family of four, a 150 litre (40 US
gallon, or 33 Imperial gallon) tank should be sufficient.
Q. Aside from adjusting the temperature, are there other easy ways I can save on water heating?
A. The simplest way to save is to use less hot water. Use low-flow showerheads, wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot, and only run full loads in your clothes washer and dishwasher.
Q. Should I drain my water heater, and if so, how often?
A. It is a good idea to drain water
heaters once a year. Be sure to shut off the power and the incoming
water to the tank. Let the water cool down before draining it. Always
attach a hose and run it outside - do not attempt to drain the tank
a small amount at a time, as sediment at the bottom of the tank
may clog the drain valve, making it impossible to close until the
tank has been fully drained and flushed. Once the tank is empty,
turn the water supply back on and flush the tank until the water
runs clear. Then refill the tank completely before turning the power
back on.
Q. Should I shut off my water heater if I plan to be away from home?
A. If you go away for more than
a week, it is a good idea to turn off the water heater. If the water
heater is electric, you can shut off the circuit breaker.
Q. Is it a good idea to add additional insulation to my walls, and how is this done?
A. If your walls currently have
no insulation, insulation can be blown into the cavities through
holes drilled through the exterior of the home. This should only
be done by a reputable, qualified contractor.
Q. I've always heard that "heat rises". Why do I need to insulate my floors?
A. Actually, heat moves from warm
to cold. If your home is built over a crawlspace or unheated basement,
you can lose a lot of heat downward through the floors. Insulation
will help reduce that loss and also make your floors feel warmer
in the winter.
Q. My home has single-paned windows - would it be better to replace them with double-paned windows or to add storm windows?
A. Both double-paned or thermal
windows and storm windows work by creating an insulating air space
between the panes of glass. If your existing windows are in good
shape, storm windows will usually be more cost-effective. If your
existing windows are damaged or if you are replacing them for aesthetic
reasons, you should install double-paned, energy efficient windows.
Q. Why does moisture form on the inside of my windows in winter, and how can I minimize the amount of moisture?
A. Condensation will occur whenever
warm air hits a cold surface because warm air can hold more water
vapour than cold air. If you have single-paned windows, adding storm
windows will keep the inner pane of glass warmer and reduce the
amount of condensation. Monitoring your indoor humidity and keeping
it in the range of 40 - 50% (even less in very cold weather) will
also help.
Q. I often need to use a dehumidifier to control excess moisture in my basement. How can I reduce the cost?
A. Use dehumidifiers only as needed.
In mild weather, try opening windows and using either natural air
circulation or fans to dry up any excess humidity.
Q. How can I reduce the cost of operating my hot tub?
A. The best way to save is with
an insulated cover that will help keep the heat in and reduce the
amount of time the heater has to run.
Q. Can I save by unplugging appliances that are not in use?
A. If the appliance has an "on/off"
switch, turning it off has the same effect as unplugging it. Extra
refrigerators or freezers should be unplugged when not in use.
