Harold Hotham   January 25, 2009

www.comparevillage.ca

Going Green is a big buzz these days.  There is no argument that can be made against energy conservation, it is ethically and morally the right thing to do.  Of course there are as always, two sides to every story.

Our energy supplies of electricity are dwindling there is no question of that.  Some would argue that too much of Canada’s excess production is being exported while others argue that contractual agreements between producers and distributors is robbing Canadians of their own supplies.  There is a case to be made in both circumstances but getting the facts to support either argument is impossible.  Corporations are often loathe to provide accurate detail of their activities and where there is a potential conflict with consumer interests, it becomes even more difficult to acquire fact.

Regardless, the consumer still can be proactive in their own self interest.  That self interest has a direct impact on your finances.  It may require some modification of lifestyle but the impact is likely to be minimal on your comfort.

Saving electricity and gas is not particularly difficult.  Some of the things you can do are:

v      Energy saving fluorescent lighting.  This can reduce your electricity consumption by a minimum of one half and still retain approximately the same levels of light as incandescent lights.  Look for new developments in LED (Light emitting diode) lighting.  As this technology develops, costs of electricity consumption will be even further reduced.

v      Cooking costs can be significantly reduced by NOT using electric stoves and ovens.  If a microwave oven can be used, the cost of food preparation can be significantly reduced.

v      Replace older appliances with new Energy StarÒ rated appliances.  A significant saving in electricity can be made when purchasing an oven by spending the extra money up front for one that offers convection cooking.  This can reduce cooking times by as much as half.

v      Turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them.  Leave the room, turn off the lights.  If you have the need for nightlights, then buy LED lights that use less than a single watt per hour of electricity. (You would have to have it on continuously for six months or more to use a single kilowatt. This is roughly equivalent to running your microwave for 1 hour.)

v      Reduce lighting when watching television.  This not only saves money on lighting but also improves the colour of your television screen.

v      Use a laptop computer instead of a desktop.  If you have no choice, then buy an LCD screen to replace the big CRT monitor.  If not only saves money but is also reduces electromagnetic radiation exposure which is being studied for adverse health risks.

v      Reduce the heat levels of your water heater and buy a water heater blanket.  This will insulate the water heater and reduce heat loss.  You can additionally insulate exposed hot water pipes in your home.

v      TURN THE HEAT DOWN!!!  A reduction of a couple of degrees C in your thermostat can reduce your heating bills significantly.  You can also use programmable thermostats so that energy is not being used at high levels when you are either sleeping or not at home.

v      Replace old furnaces with newer high efficiency furnaces.

v      Upgrade your windows and doors.

v      Ensure you have adequate insulation (and ventilation) in your attic.

v      When doing laundry, do properly sized full loads.  Never overload a dryer and never assume it is cheaper to run a dryer to remove wrinkles than it is to run an iron.  It isn't.

v      Replace old top loading washers with newer front loading machines.  They use a fraction of the water, electricity and detergents.

These are but a few of the simple actions the consumer can take.  Some can save money while others cost to implement.  The long run savings can be significant.

Oh, and the energy exporters will thank you for allowing them to sell what you are saving across the border.