A blend of classic methods and modern innovations to help you cut down on your energy bills
As energy prices keep rising, Canadians are looking for smart, practical ways to lower their bills without giving up comfort. While some energy-saving tips have been around for ages, they’re still just as helpful today. At the same time, newer technologies offer exciting, efficient options to make your home even more energy-smart. Here’s a mix of tried-and-true methods and modern techniques to help you seriously cut down your energy bills.
Oldies but goodies
These traditional energy-saving methods are still some of the best ways to cut back on usage.
1. Stop drafts and insulate
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Heat escaping through drafty windows and poor insulation is a major reason for wasted energy. By sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking, you can keep cold air out in winter and hot air out in summer. Adding insulation to your attic or walls is still one of the top ways to stop heat loss and maintain a consistent indoor temperature, which will significantly lower your heating and cooling bills.
2. Upgrade to energy-saving appliances
It may seem like old advice, but upgrading appliances is still one of the best ways to reduce energy use. Older appliances tend to suck up way more power compared to newer, energy-efficient ones. If you have the budget, think about replacing items like your fridge or washing machine with ENERGY STAR-certified models. They use far less energy and will save you money in the long run.
3. Switch to LED bulbs
Swapping out old light bulbs for LEDs is still a great move. LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer. This means you save both on electricity and replacement costs. Installing motion sensors or timers in less-frequented areas like hallways or garages can add to the savings by ensuring lights are only on when needed.
4. Use a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats may not be brand new, but they’re still a fantastic way to save. You can set them to lower or raise the temperature when you’re not home or while you’re sleeping, cutting out unnecessary heating or cooling. New smart thermostats take things a step further, learning your daily patterns and adjusting the temperature on their own, saving you even more energy without you having to do much.
New tech for modern homes
These newer technologies offer homeowners fresh ways to boost energy efficiency and reduce costs.
5. Smart home automation
Smart devices have made managing your home’s energy usage easier than ever. With smart thermostats, plugs, and lighting systems, you can accurately control how much energy your home uses. These devices can learn your habits, ensuring lights are off and appliances are powered down when not in use. The convenience and control smart home technology offers can lead to big savings over time.
6. Energy monitoring systems
One of the newer tools for homeowners is energy monitoring systems, which give real-time updates on your home’s energy consumption. These systems show you which areas or appliances are using the most energy so you know where to make changes. Some utility companies even offer rebates for installing these systems, making them a smart investment.
7. Solar energy and storage
More Canadians are switching to solar energy, and government incentives are making it easier to do so. Solar panels can significantly reduce how much electricity you need from the grid, especially if you pair them with energy storage systems like home batteries. These batteries allow you to store extra energy from your panels and use it when electricity prices are higher, reducing your costs and giving you more independence from the grid.
8. Heat pumps
Heat pumps are growing in popularity thanks to their energy efficiency. Instead of generating heat, they transfer it, making them more efficient than traditional systems. Modern heat pumps can even work well in colder climates, making them a good fit for most areas in Canada. While they can be more expensive upfront, the long-term savings on your energy bills make them worth it.
9. Dynamic electricity pricing plans
In some Canadian provinces, you can sign up for dynamic pricing plans where the cost of electricity changes depending on the time of day. By using smart devices and energy management systems, you can schedule energy-heavy tasks like doing laundry or running the dishwasher during off-peak hours when rates are lower. This helps you save even more on your energy bills.
10. Keep up with heating and cooling system maintenance
Whether you have an older furnace or a new heat pump, keeping your system in good shape is key to running it efficiently. Regularly changing filters and having your system checked by a professional once a year will ensure it runs smoothly. A well-maintained system uses less energy, costs less to operate, and lasts longer, all of which helps you save on both energy bills and potential repairs.
Lowering your energy bills doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes or costly renovations. By combining classic methods like sealing drafts and upgrading appliances with modern solutions like smart home automation and solar energy, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption.
Troy Media’s Cutting Corners offers Canadians simple, everyday tips to save money. Whether it’s lowering regular expenses, saving on big purchases, making smarter household choices, or finding small ways to stretch your budget, Cutting Corners is here to help. This series is full of practical, easy-to-follow advice that anyone can use to keep more cash in their wallet without giving up the things that matter most.
Explore more on Cutting Corners, Budget Smart, Your Money
The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of our publication.
Troy Media
Troy Media is an editorial content provider to media outlets and its own hosted community news outlets across Canada.
