Energy Saving Tips for Winter

If there’s one thing all Canadians can agree on, it’s that saving money on their utility bills feels pretty great. For some Albertans, these changes come in leaps and bounds — they decide it’s time to invest in efficiency, and they replace their older, inefficient toilet or washing machine with a new, high-efficiency option. For those Calgarians who simply don’t see a new energy-star dishwasher in their budget, we wanted to offer some smaller energy saving tips.

Wrap your Hot Water Tank and Pipes.

Insulation is a great option for Canadians hoping to make their tank and hot water system in general more efficient. Insulation helps prevent the loss of energy (heat) to the air, and that means water stays hotter for longer. Since insulated pipes can deliver water a few degrees hotter than uninsulated pipes, you may be able to lower the temperature on your heater and save money on your utility bill! Another reason to love insulation is that you won’t need to wait as long for hot water to reach your faucet when you’re doing dishes or showering. If you’re up for a DIY project, you can google which insulation and how much insulation will work best for your heater and pipes. Otherwise, you can give our expert, Calgary plumbers a call!

Unplug Yourself.

Did you know that plugged-in electronics still use a little energy even when they’re turned off? While it may seem like an insignificant amount, for families with multiple laptops, cell phone chargers, televisions, coffee makers, etc, it can really add up! In fact, many medium to large Canadian families can see their utility bill drop by up to 10% just by unplugging their electronics.

Lower the Thermostat.

Nothing will help you save energy at your home quite as much adjusting your thermostat to match the season. In winter, most Canadians wear sweaters anyways, so there’s no need to keep your home heated to 21°C. We recommend lowering the thermostat to 18°C or 19°C. As long as you’re dressed in warmer winter clothing, you should be comfortable, and for every degree you lower your thermostat, you’ll save (on average) 1-3% on your bill. To see even more savings, schedule your thermostat to lower the indoor temperature to 15°C when nobody is home for long stretches of time.

When it comes to utilities, who doesn’t want a cheaper bill using energy saving tips? By investing in insulation, unplugging your electronics, and adjusting your thermostat, you can potentially see a lot of savings coming your way. If you have any questions on how you can make your plumbing or heating systems more efficient, contact the experts at Plumbing Paramedics today!