Heating and Cooling use the most energy in an average household, approximately 45%! To reduce this energy usage, consider the following tips.
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Check your ceiling and walls have insulation – install or repair as required.
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Seal around door jambs and windows to reduce air leaks and draughts
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Incorporate passive solar design in your home. Capture the energy from the winter sun and avoid capturing the sun’s energy in summer. Use cross-flow ventilation on summer nights to let trapped hot air out.
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Can you use a fan instead of the air conditioner? Fans are far more economical.
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If using the air conditioner for cooling, set the thermostat to 25 degrees or higher. Every degree higher will save you up to another 10% in cooling costs
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When heating set the thermostat to 20 degrees or lower, every degree lower can save another 5-10% in heating costs
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Wear clothing that is most appropriate for the temperature
By implementing these tips you will be on the path to seeing your power bill go down rather than up!