Step six – appliances. An old refrigerator from the 1990s can use four times more electricity than a new Energy Star-rated model. Replacing one key appliance can lead to immediate savings on your hydro bill.
Step seven – lighting. Switching to LED bulbs reduces lighting costs by 80-90%. And using motion sensors or timers for outdoor lights and basement areas adds another layer of savings.
Step eight – habits. Don’t ventilate with the heating on, don’t block heating registers, turn off lights. All free, all effective.
Step nine – small-scale solar. Even a small solar panel system can offset some of your base load (like a fridge and Wi-Fi). Federal and provincial incentives can help bring the upfront cost down. Community solar projects are also an option for those whose roofs aren’t suitable.
Step ten – community. In multi-unit buildings, it pays to work with your neighbours or strata council on common upgrades like new windows for the whole building, improved insulation, or a high-efficiency boiler. The more units involved, the lower the cost per unit.
Energy efficiency isn’t about achieving perfection overnight. It’s about taking incremental steps. And each one of those steps means saved dollars and a more comfortable home.
