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Energy-efficient appliances: Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that are ENERGY STAR certified. These appliances consume less electricity, helping to lower your energy bills.
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LED lighting: Switch to LED light bulbs throughout your home. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Smart thermostats: Install a programmable or smart thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently. Set it to lower or raise the temperature when you’re away or asleep to save on heating and cooling costs.
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Seal drafts and insulate: Insulate your home properly and seal any drafts around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent heat loss in the winter and keep cool air in during the summer. This reduces the workload on your heating and cooling systems.
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Use natural light: Make the most of natural light during the day by opening curtains and blinds. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and can help lower your electricity consumption.
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Unplug unused devices: Many electronics and appliances continue to draw power even when turned off, known as standby power or phantom load. Unplug devices or use power strips to easily disconnect multiple devices when not in use.
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Energy-efficient windows: If feasible, consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows can help to better insulate your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
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Energy audit: Conduct a home energy audit to identify areas where energy is being wasted and prioritize improvements. Many utility companies offer free or subsidized energy audits to their customers.
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Time-of-use pricing: If you’re on a time-of-use pricing plan, adjust your energy usage to take advantage of off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. For example, run major appliances such as dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak times.
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Renewable energy options: Consider investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines for your home. In Ontario, there are various incentive programs and rebates available to help offset the initial costs of installing renewable energy systems.
By implementing these measures, you can effectively reduce your electricity bills while also contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient home
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