Never boil water in an open pot. Water boils faster in a covered pot and uses less energy.

Clean refrigerator coils regularly. When these become clogged the refrigerator works harder to keep your food cold.

Wrapping everything you store in the refrigerator will reduce moisture and stop the condensor from overworking.

Baking with ceramic or glass pans will allow you to lower cooking temperatures by 25 degrees.

You'll have a jump start on getting to the cleaning temperature, if you clean your self-cleaning oven right after you've baked something.

Don't defrost food in the microwave. If you plan ahead and put the food in the refrigerator to defrost, it doesn't cost a thing.

Let your dishes air dry instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle. If your dishwasher doesn't have an air dry cycle, turn your dishwasher off.

You might think using a dishwasher uses more energy than washing by hand, however a dishwasher uses less water than washing by hand.

Lowering your water heater's temperature to 120 degrees will lower your bills and the change in temperature is barely noticable.


Laundry

Switch to cold when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money.

Wash full loads.

Choose a front loading washing machine. Not only does a front loading washing machine save water, it saves energy as well. It uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.

Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy saver” setting.

Furnace

Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.

Consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® qualified furnace with a variable speed motor. An average home can save up to $570 in natural gas and electrical costs annually when upgrading from a standard 60% efficiency natural gas furnace to a 95% efficiency furnace with a high efficiency variable speed motor.

Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius (7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) while you're sleeping at night and when no one is at home.

Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C you turn down your thermostat. With an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat to consistently lower your heat when you don’t need it, you could save up to $80 a year!

Weather Proofing

Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.

Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, door frames, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.

Use plastic window covers to help prevent heat loss.

Keep return air grills and heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes, so there is no interference with the flow of heat through your home.

If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for leaks by looking for spider webs. If there is a web, there is a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement.

Add insulation to basement walls.

Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.


Other tips

On sunny days, open south facing drapes and let the sun in, a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don't receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed.

Close your drapes and blinds during the night.

Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Turn on the heat in your garage just prior to use, save by not heating it continuously.

Close the damper on fireplaces to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and ensure the damper fits properly.