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There are many improvements in energy efficiency you can make – immediately, in the long term, and on a regular basis – that will add up to tremendous energy and cost savings in your home.

Changes to Make Immediately

• Book a REEP home energy evaluation for advice on how to save energy in your home.
  
• Switch out your light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent.
  
• Weatherstrip and caulk around all windows and doors to seal out drafts.
  
• Increase insulation where appropriate, such as in your attic or walls.
  
• Use area rugs to cozy up chilly floors.

Changes to Make into Habit

• Open drapes or blinds on south-facing windows to let the sun shine in and help to heat your home during sunny winter afternoons. (Keep those same drapes closed during the summer to keep the extra heat out.)
  
• Opt for smaller appliances (electric kettle, toaster oven, or microwave) rather than using your stove, when practical.
  
• Clean or replace your furnace filter monthly to improve efficiency.
  
• Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it working its best.
  
• An annual furnace check is a good investment to ensure your furnace is working at top efficiency and safely.

Changes to Plan For

When shopping for new appliances, consider both the short-term (purchase price) and long-term (energy use) costs.

• Compare the EnerGuide labels to see how much energy each model consumes in one year. A slightly more expensive model with a substantially lower EnerGuide number is usually a smarter choice.
  
• Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified models, which are much more efficient than conventional models.
  
• Check out current promotions offered by Kitchener Utilities. You may be eligible for immediate savings on your natural gas appliance purchase.
  
• Consider financing your new natural gas appliance purchase through Kitchener Utilities for reasonable interest rates and financing specials.