Start with a walk through your home to identify the areas that need sealing or upgrading.
Inspect doors and windows for cracks and worn weather-stripping. Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal the gaps around doors and windows, the foundation sill and places where pipes pass through the exterior walls. You can also install plug and light switch plate insulation to reduce drafts. Draft proofing may help you save on your home’s heating costs.
If you have single pane windows, consider applying inexpensive window film. It can go a long way towards reducing drafts.
Install a programmable thermostat and set it to 20°C when you’re home and 17°C when out or asleep. You could save up to 15 per cent on your home heating bills.
Service your furnace annually and replace your furnace filter every three months or more often if you smoke or have pets.
Insulate the accessible pipe leading to and from your water heater and any pipe running through unheated areas of your home using pipe-wrap or foam. Pipe-wrap is generally easier to install and comes in different sizes. Make sure to measure your pipes before purchasing. Insulating the entire length of your hot water pipes may help reduce your energy use and give you hot water more quickly when you need it. The hot water in your pipes will also be less likely to cool off between uses.
Close vents or turn down heaters in rooms you seldom use.
Set your ceiling fans to push warm air from the ceiling back into the room (usually clockwise).
Dress for the season. Warm up with slippers and a sweater before turning up the temperature on colder days.
Consider upgrading to high-efficiency heating systems and improving your home’s insulation.
Book an EnerGuide home energy evaluation to learn where heat is escaping and what energy upgrades you should focus on.
Want to save money on your energy bill?
Energy Retrofit Program helps homeowners reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gases within the community. This is what you need to do if you want to access $5,000 and more!
General Tips
Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators
Use energy efficient lighting, such as LEDs, determine your lighting needs and look for ways to use controls – like sensors, dimmers and timers to reduce lighting use
Use only energy efficient appliances
Wash in cold water
Hang clothes to dry
Choose the air dry function on your dishwasher
Use shower timers, set to 5 minutes per shower
Unplug electricity using devices when not in use, use a power bar
Additional Resources
FortisBC: Nelson Hydro generates its own local electricity, but can only produce enough to serve about 50% of its customers so the remainder is purchased through FortisBC. This means that Nelson Hydro customers can access rebates through FortisBC.