Showing posts with label appliances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appliances. Show all posts
Nov 18, 2014
With the nights getting longer, the days colder, and snow on the horizon, there's no denying it: winter's on its way. While it doesn't technically arrive until next month there's already a pretty strong chill in the air. As energy prices continue to rise heating your home this winter could be very expensive. To help you cut costs, we've compiled a list of simple measures you can undertake to make your home more energy efficient. Spending less on your energy bills means you'll have more to put towards your heating costs. Check out our list below and start saving today.
1. Be smart about when you use your major appliances - Did you know there are peak times for energy consumption? A time is considered peak when there's consistently more energy being consumed during that period. It's more expensive to use energy at these times. For many areas peak times are on weekday mornings and early evenings. Using your major appliances in off peak times can go a long way on your energy bill. Be conscious of when you're running your dishwasher or doing a load of laundry.
2. Don't let the heat out - Seal your windows, doors, and any cracks in your foundation. It's harder to heat a home where cold air has a lot of entry points. Closing them up will keep the heat in and the cold out, and it also helps to protect against bugs and rodents.
3. Think first - Before you open the refrigerator think about what you'd like. Standing with the fridge door open for a few moments may not seem like a particularly wasteful or expensive habit, but it adds up. Pausing to decide what you'd like to eat before opening the fridge is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption.
4. Switch to energy efficient bulbs - Choosing the more energy efficient version of any appliance or system will help to lessen the energy usage in your home. That said, energy efficient appliances are expensive and it's not often that you have to replace these items. However, you do have to replace your light bulbs on a more frequent basis, and their energy efficient counterparts are available for a very reasonable price. If you're due to replace any of your major appliances definitely select an energy efficient model. If not, get energy efficient bulbs the next time you need them.
We've outlined some very straightforward and non-invasive actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Would you be interested in reading about more complex measures homeowners can try to make their properties even more efficient? Let us know below.
1. Be smart about when you use your major appliances - Did you know there are peak times for energy consumption? A time is considered peak when there's consistently more energy being consumed during that period. It's more expensive to use energy at these times. For many areas peak times are on weekday mornings and early evenings. Using your major appliances in off peak times can go a long way on your energy bill. Be conscious of when you're running your dishwasher or doing a load of laundry.
Image via House & Home
Consult your electric company to learn exactly when your area's peak times are.
2. Don't let the heat out - Seal your windows, doors, and any cracks in your foundation. It's harder to heat a home where cold air has a lot of entry points. Closing them up will keep the heat in and the cold out, and it also helps to protect against bugs and rodents.
Image via Apartment Therapy
3. Think first - Before you open the refrigerator think about what you'd like. Standing with the fridge door open for a few moments may not seem like a particularly wasteful or expensive habit, but it adds up. Pausing to decide what you'd like to eat before opening the fridge is a simple but effective way to reduce energy consumption.
Image via House & Home
4. Switch to energy efficient bulbs - Choosing the more energy efficient version of any appliance or system will help to lessen the energy usage in your home. That said, energy efficient appliances are expensive and it's not often that you have to replace these items. However, you do have to replace your light bulbs on a more frequent basis, and their energy efficient counterparts are available for a very reasonable price. If you're due to replace any of your major appliances definitely select an energy efficient model. If not, get energy efficient bulbs the next time you need them.
Image via NPR
We've outlined some very straightforward and non-invasive actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Would you be interested in reading about more complex measures homeowners can try to make their properties even more efficient? Let us know below.
Feb 6, 2014
Staying on-trend and energy-efficient has never looked better, thanks to the team
behind the West Coast Power Smart Home
at this year’s BC Home + Garden Show,
February 19-23, 2014 at BC Place Stadium.
Fresh off the success of the BC Hydro Power
Smart home at this fall’s Vancouver Home + Design Show, BC Hydro is back – and better than ever! This year’s dream home
promises to be your go-to source for green living inspiration that is as good
for your space as it is for the environment. Drawing on inspiration from the
best natural features of the west coast – think magnificent wood, spectacular
seascapes and breathtaking British Columbian rainforests – the West Coast Power
Smart Home will showcase the creative talents of landscaping guru Rob Spytz and the Friendly Decorator herself, Christine Friend. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store on the
show floor.
Plus,
visit the BC Hydro booth to check out Energy Star-approved appliances and a
featured selection of environmentally friendly home products. Team Power Smart
will also be on-site to offer their two green cents on how to ease your climate
conscience and the monthly electricity bill with easily adaptable,
energy-efficient alternatives sure to put your home in Mother Nature’s good
books for the long haul. Get a head start with these tips:
- Turn down your thermostat by two degrees, and save up to $30 a year
- Use small appliances where possible – they use less energy and cook as effectively
- ENERGY STAR® fixtures are stylish and save approximately 75% more energy than standard fixtures
- Design bright – consider light colours that reflect light to reduce lighting costs
- Switch four bulbs to ENERGY STAR® LEDs, and save up to $16 a year
- Wash two loads of clothes a week in cold water, and save up to $36 a year
- Visit the West Coast Power Smart Home and powersmart.ca for more tips on how to save power and money
_________________________________________________
Solid proof that compromise between style and sustainability is no longer a necessary negotiation, the Power Smart Dream Home is a west coast-inspired treasure you won’t want to miss at the BC Home + Garden Show.
Oct 3, 2012
Want to win these?
The countdown to the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 11-14 at BC Place, continues as we present our top 10 exhibitors at this year’s show. Every day we’ll be giving away a big ticket prize on Twitter – make sure you’re following us at @VanHomeShows and hashtag #VHDS12 #top10 for all the info!
THE PROFILE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
I recently discovered the coolest website EVER! Wordle.net generates free and customizable subway art in as quickly as 1 minute. Sim... -
Tweet Thanksgiving and holiday entertaining is in full swing! We know you're all preoccupied planning meals and getting the ho... -
It's gift giving season! As you prepare your list, consider making a few of your gifts this year. Impress your friends and family w... -
Calling all bloggers, designers, and entertaining enthusiasts: we're searching for the next big name in design, entertainment, and all t...