11 Ways to Save on Energy Bills
In Ontario, hydro rates are rising faster than we can blink, and many people are stuck trying to make ends meet just to keep the lights on. But the good news is that there are some things you can to do save on energy bills, and many of them aren’t that hard.
Our local insurance brokers at Duliban Insurance live in your Ontario communities throughout Niagara and Haldimand. So we know what it’s like to pay hydro in the province.
That’s why we want to help you out. As your trusted hometown brokers, we work hard to keep you happy and comfortable in your home. That means helping you save where it counts.
You’d be amazed at how easy these energy saving tips really are. Sometimes it just takes a few small changes to save big!
1. Reduce Electricity Usage During Peak Times
Most Ontario homes have smart meters installed, which track the time of day you use the most energy.
For premium energy conservation, focus on using the majority of your electricity use during off-peak times. Doing so can save you almost 10 cents per kilowatt!
Ontario residents can take advantage of lower hydro rates on the weekends, on holidays, and in the evenings from 7:00pm to 7:00am.
2. Switch to LED Lights
They are a little more costly up front than regular light bulbs, but if you switch all of your light fixtures to LED light bulbs, it’ll save you in the long run.
LED light bulbs help to conserve energy use in your home because they only use about 20 to 25% of the energy regular bulbs use.
As a bonus, you can use them outside and inside because they are super durable.
LED lights will not only help you save money on your electric bill, but they’ll also help you save money in general because they last up to 25 times longer than regular light bulbs.
3. Use a Fan Instead of Air Conditioning
You might be looking out your window right now at the snow falling down, and air conditioning might be the furthest thing from your mind. But saving on energy bills is a long-term goal, and it’ll take you well into the summer.
If you can’t use a fan because of a medical condition like asthma, respiratory issues, or a heart condition, then you don’t have much of a choice.
But whenever possible, fans are the more cost-friendly option because they use less energy than air conditioning units.
4. Turn off Your Electronics
One of the most important ways to save electricity in your home is unplugging your electronics when you aren’t using them.
We all tend to leave our computers and game consoles on standby. This is more convenient for us than waiting for it to boot up again, but this can waste a lot of energy and cost you big time on your next bill.
Leaving your electronics plugged in, even if you’re not using them, produces what’s called “phantom power.” That means your devices are still sucking up power, even though you’re not using them. It’s the ultimate waste.
Just leaving your printer on standby can use up as much energy as your microwave being turned on for a few hours!
To reduce your hydro bill, try having everything plugged into a power bar and turning the power bar off when you leave. Or simply unplug your decides as soon as you’re done using them.
5. Use Window and Door Treatments
Just like you’d throw on a winter coat, your house needs to be properly clothed for the cold.
Window and door treatments can help you save on energy bills by reducing the amount of heat you use in your home. When your house is properly insulated, you don’t need to crank the heat, which means more money in your pocket.
6. Wait Until Your Washing Machine and Dishwasher Are Full
If you have a dishwasher and a laundry machine, wait until they’re full to run them. This will reduce your electricity usage because you won’t be running as many loads as often.
When your household or family size is smaller, you might not go through as many dishes. If you desperately need that mug that’s in the dishwasher, and can’t wait, just wash it by hand.
7. Use a Toaster Oven to Cook Smaller Items
If you’re making dinner for one, or just cooking something small, use a toaster oven instead of your conventional electric oven. Toaster ovens and microwaves use up to 50% less energy than your electric oven does because they have less space to heat.
8. Don’t Leave Your Fridge Open
When you’re hungry, it can be tempting to open the fridge door and stare into it until a snack catches your eye.
But doing this can actually use up more energy because it takes more time for your fridge to cool itself back down. Reduce your hydro bill by keeping the fridge shut and making a decision before you open it.
9. Keep Your Oven Closed, Too
Just like your fridge, if you keep opening your oven door, the oven will have to work twice as hard to get back to the temperature it was at.
Use your oven light and avoid opening the door unless you absolutely need to, and you can save a little extra on energy costs.
10. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
If you shop at designer or trendy clothing stores, you likely already know the value of washing your clothes in cold water. Your clothes last longer and are less likely to shrink.
Well, another benefit of doing your laundry in cold water is to lower your energy bill. Up to 90% of the energy your washing machine uses is spent just on heating up the water.
You can also invest in a cold water laundry detergent that’s designed to work efficiently in colder temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about getting the same level of cleanliness.
11. Take Shorter Showers Instead of Baths
Sure, it can feel so nice to sit down and relax in the tub. But saving the baths for an occasional activity can save money on your hydro bill.
The less time you take in the shower, the less your hot water tank has to take the time to heat up the water. Less heating means more saving for you.
Choose a Hometown Broker That Will Find You The Best Home Insurance Premiums
At Duliban Insurance Brokers, our local insurance brokers work hard to find you the best insurance premium, with the best coverage, at a price you can afford. You should never have to choose between paying home insurance and your hydro bill.
We’re homeowners too. So we know what it means to care for your home. We want the best for you, just like we do for our own families.
Our hometown brokers value you and your business, and will make sure you’re taken care of on every level. We work with 18 different insurance companies, so you know you’ll be getting the best package we can find.
For your free home insurance quote, you can contact us by email, live chat, phone, or in person at the office. We hope to hear from you soon!
