Regular maintenance

• Clean or replace all filters in your home regularly. Dirty filters make your system work harder and run longer than necessary.
• Clean and service furnaces regularly. Oil-fired furnaces need annual maintenance, natural gas and propane furnaces should be serviced at least every two years.
• Change furnace filters at least every 90 days (or cleaned, if you use a permanent filter).
• Empty or bleed the air from hot water radiators once or twice a year so they can fill fully with water and work more efficiently.
• Keep air flowing by not obstructing vents or return air grilles with furniture.
• Check all exterior vents. Ensuring your vents are in good condition is crucial for the safety and energy-efficiency of your home. Replace any broken exhaust vent covers to maintain proper airflow. Clean out dryer vents regularly, as accumulated lint can be a fire hazard. In the winter, check that furnace and hot water tank vent pipes are not blocked by snow and ice. Use your hand to gently clear away snow; avoid using shovels or blowers, as they can damage the vent pipes. Keeping your vents clean and unobstructed helps reduce fire risks and ensures your heating systems operate effectively.

Preventing drafts and heating/cooling loss

• Use draft stoppers (draft snakes) along the bottom of doors or windows. Draft stoppers block cold air from creeping in and warm air from escaping. If you don't have one, you can easily make a DIY draft stopper by rolling up a towel or using an old sock filled with rice.
• Apply weather-stripping around older exterior doors
• Seal cracks and penetrations on the walls, ceilings or floors to prevent air from escaping into the walls and roof.
• Seal areas of air leakage around all window and door casings, mouldings, and baseboards.
• Seal all supply ductwork with aluminum foil duct tape, approved flexible plastic tape, or water-based mastic.
• Seal and insulate cooling and ventilation ducts running through basements, crawl spaces, or unheated attics.
• Insulate hot and cold water pipes by covering the first two metres with foam sleeves. Leave a 15 cm (6-inch) clearance between insulation and vent pipes on fuel-fired water heaters.
• Install foam insulation gaskets behind electrical outlet and light-switch faceplate's. Small drafts can enter your home through faceplate's on exterior walls. Installing foam gaskets behind faceplate's is a simple and affordable way to reduce air leakage. Just remove the faceplate, place the gasket over the outlet or light switch, and screw the plate back on. For extra insulation, consider using baby-proofing outlet faceplate's to block unused outlets.

Kitchen

• Use the microwave to reheat food.
• Don't pre-rinse dishes, scrape dishes instead, let the washing do the rest.
• Use the air dry feature on a dishwasher.
• Use the dishwasher setting with the best cleaning in least amount of time.
• Allow room for air-flow in your fridge (don't overfill).
• Keep the fridge away from heat sources such as heat vents, stove, and sun.

Bathroom

• Install a water-saving shower head to use less hot water (look for one that has a flow rate of less than 7.6 litres per minute).
• Take a shower instead of bath to save on hot water costs.
• Use a low-flow toilet that uses 4.8 litres per flush to save water.
• Buy a faucet aerator to use less hot water (choose aerators that deliver 3.0 to 5.7 litres per minute of water).
• Install a timer switch for your fan (do not leave manual fans running unattended).

Laundry

• Pre-soak stained clothes (avoid re-washing)
• Choose high-speed or extended spin to remove maximum amount of water before drying clothes.
• Wash in warm or preferably cold water.
• Clean the lint trap in the dryer after every load to maximize air flow and efficiency.
• Avoid over-drying, use the sensor setting or time it just right.
• Don't overfill the dryer to ensure maximum airflow and reduce strain on motor.
• Sort by thickness, light items in one load, thick items in another.
• Avoid the dryer and air-dry clothes.

Appliances

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and fixtures

• Fridge (use 10 percent less energy*).
• Range hood fan (use 50 percent less energy*).
• Dishwasher (use 12 percent less energy*).
• Washing machine: (save 25 percent more energy, use 33% less water*).
• Clothes Dryer (save 20 percent more energy*).
• Water heaters.
• Bathroom ventilation fan (use 50% less energy*).
• TV (use 25 percent less energy*).
• Audio/video products (use up to 70percent less energy*).
• Computer monitors (use 25 percent less energy*).
• Cordless phone (use 40 percent less energy*).
• Lighting fixtures (use up to 90 percent less energy**).
• Ceiling fans (use 60 percent less energy*).

*Compared to standard models / **Compared to incandescent bulbs.

Electrical

• Replace light bulbs with LED bulbs.
• Use dimmable LED bulbs and compatible dimmer switches.
• Use a smart power strip to cut power to devices not in use.
• Enable low power settings on devices to save energy and help your batteries last longer.
• Use natural light from windows instead of turning on the lights.
• Turn off lights when not in use.
• Install motion sensors to reduce your light use.

Create some summer shade

• Use awnings, blinds or drapes to keep direct rays of sunshine from overheating the room in the summer.
• Plant strategically positioned trees to help keep direct sunlight from overheating your home in the summer.