Energy-efficiency

Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

By RBC

Learn tips to save energy at home

Published September 5, 2024 • 1 Min Read

Learn how to use less energy and potentially reduce your home energy bills

Our homes use energy throughout the day to operate; from running laundry cycles, to keeping food cool and fresh, or keeping us warm in the winter. But, the more energy our homes us, the more we have to pay for. Learn budget-friendly ways to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your household energy bills.

What’s your budget for home energy-efficiency projects?

Free and low cost

Heating & cooling

Set an optimal temperature

In the winter, set your thermostat to 20°C in the day and 17°C at night. In summer, try 25.5°C.

Ceiling Fan

Switch your ceiling fan’s rotation

A counterclockwise direction helps to draw hot air up in the summer, while clockwise will push hot air down in the winter.

Use window curtains and blinds

Shades can block out the sun in the heat of summer, and insulated curtains and blinds can keep warmth inside during winter.

Clean vents, ducts and filters

Cleaning air ducts and furnace filters between professional maintenance visits can help keep heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently.

Water usage

Lower your water heater temperature

Your home’s water heater can safely be set to as low as 60°C.

Use less water in general

Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing.

Switch up your laundry cycle

Run fewer loads, and wash on a cold cycle. Skip the dryer and air dry your laundry (this can also make clothes last longer!).

Electronics & appliances

Turn electronics off at the outlet

Electronics left on standby could account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. Turn them off at the outlet or use a power bar to control multiple devices.

Select a time-of-use energy plan

Use your appliances at off-peak times and you may spend less money on utilities.

Less than $100

Heating & cooling

Set an optimal temperature

In the winter, set your thermostat to 20°C in the day and 17°C at night. In summer, try 25.5°C.

Ceiling Fan

Switch your ceiling fan’s rotation

A counterclockwise direction helps to draw hot air up in the summer, while clockwise will push hot air down in the winter.

Use window curtains and blinds

Shades can block out the sun in the heat of summer, and insulated curtains and blinds can keep warmth inside during winter.

Clean vents, ducts and filters

Cleaning air ducts and furnace filters between professional maintenance visits can help keep heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently.

Filtre

Replace your furnace filter

Improve air-flow and keep your furnace operating more efficiently by replacing the filter in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Vent

Stop chilly drafts and gaps

Add weather-stripping or sealant to help prevent cool drafts around windows and doors.

Water usage

Lower your water heater temperature

Your home’s water heater can safely be set to as low as 60°C.

Use less water in general

Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing.

Switch up your laundry cycle

Run fewer loads, and wash on a cold cycl e. Skip the dryer and air dry your laundry (this can also make clothes last longer!).

Eau

Go for low-flow

Install a low-flow showerhead or faucet to use and heat less water.

Electronics & appliances

Turn electronics off at the outlet

Electronics left on standby can account for 5-10% of your electricity bill. Turn them off at the outlet or use a power bar to control multiple devices.

Select a time-of-use energy plan

Use your appliances at off-peak times and you may spend less money on utilities.

Ampoule

Light up with LEDs

LED lightbulbs use ~75% less energy, and last up to 25x longer than incandescent bulbs.

Up to $500

Heating & cooling

Set an optimal temperature

In the winter, set your thermostat to 20°C in the day and 17°C at night. In summer, try 25.5°C.

Ceiling Fan

Switch your ceiling fan’s rotation

A counterclockwise direction helps to draw hot air up in the summer, while clockwise will push hot air down in the winter.

Use window curtains and blinds

Shades can block out the sun in the heat of summer, and insulated curtains and blinds can keep warmth inside during winter.

Clean vents, ducts and filters

Cleaning air ducts and furnace filters between professional maintenance visits can help keep heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently.

Filtre

Replace your furnace filter

Improve air-flow and keep your furnace operating more efficiently by replacing the filter in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Vent

Stop chilly drafts and gaps

Add weather-stripping or sealant to help prevent cool drafts around windows and doors.

Thermostat

Install a smart thermostat

Fine-tune your energy usage with a smart thermostat that adapts to your schedule and lifestyle.

Presse-papiers

Get your furnace and AC unit professionally serviced

In addition to seasonal cleaning, annual professional furnace and air conditioning servicing can help maintain efficiency and save on unexpected costly fixes.

Usine

Grow your garden

Trees, shrubs and vines can help to shade your home from direct sunlight in the summer, or help to insulate your home by acting as a windbreak in the winter.

Water usage

Lower your water heater temperature

Your home’s water heater can safely be set to as low as 60°C.

Use less water in general

Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing.

Switch up your laundry cycle

Run fewer loads, and wash on a cold cycle. Skip the dryer and air dry your laundry (this can also make clothes last longer!).

Eau

Go for low-flow

Install a low-flow showerhead or faucet to use and heat less water.

Electronics & appliances

Turn electronics off at the outlet

Electronics left on standby can account for 5-10% of your electricity bill. Turn them off at the outlet or use a power bar to control multiple devices.

Select a time-of-use energy plan

Use your appliances at off-peak times and you may spend less money on utilities.

Ampoule

Light up with LEDs

LED lightbulbs use ~75% less energy, and last up to 25x longer than incandescent bulbs.

Over $500

Heating & cooling

Set an optimal temperature

In the winter, set your thermostat to 20°C in the day and 17°C at night. In summer, try 25.5°C.

Ceiling Fan

Switch your ceiling fan’s rotation

A counterclockwise direction helps to draw hot air up in the summer, while clockwise will push hot air down in the winter.

Use window curtains and blinds

Shades can block out the sun in the heat of summer, and insulated curtains and blinds can keep warmth inside during winter.

Clean vents, ducts and filters

Cleaning air ducts and furnace filters between professional maintenance visits can help keep heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently.

Filtre

Replace your furnace filter

Improve air-flow and keep your furnace operating more efficiently by replacing the filter in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Vent

Stop chilly drafts and gaps

Add weather-stripping or sealant to help prevent cool drafts around windows and doors.

Thermostat

Install a smart thermostat

Fine-tune your energy usage with a smart thermostat that adapts to your schedule and lifestyle.

Presse-papiers

Get your furnace and AC unit professionally serviced

In addition to seasonal cleaning, professional furnace and air conditioning servicing can help maintain efficiency and save on unexpected costly fixes.

Usine

Grow your garden

Trees, shrubs and vines can help to shade your home from direct sunlight in the summer, or help to insulate your home by acting as a windbreak in the winter.

Maison

Insulate your attic, wall or floors

Proper home insulation is one of the simplest ways to make your home more-energy efficient. Adding insulation to roofs, walls, exposed floors, basements, and crawl spaces can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Étoile

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified windows

If your windows are no longer keeping heat or cool air indoors, consider installing energy-efficient windows, which can save up to 45% on utilities.

Pompe à chaleur

Install a heat pump

Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home, replacing the need for multiple systems. Depending on the type of home and climate you live in, heat pumps can be 2-5x more efficient than a gas furnace.

Water usage

Lower your water heater temperature

Your home’s water heater can safely be set to as low as 60°C.

Use less water in general

Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing..

Switch up your laundry cycle

Run fewer loads, and wash on a cold cycle. Skip the dryer and air dry your laundry (this can also make clothes last longer!).

Eau

Go for low-flow

Install a low-flow showerhead or faucet to use and heat less water.

Electronics & appliances

Turn electronics off at the outlet

Electronics left on standby can account for 5-10% of your electricity bill. Turn them off at the outlet or use a power bar to control multiple devices.

Select a time-of-use energy plan

Use your appliances at off-peak times and you may spend less money on utilities.

Ampoule

Light up with LEDs

LED lightbulbs use ~75% less energy, and last up to 25x longer than incandescent bulbs.

Étoile

Choose ENERGY STAR-certified appliances

When it’s time to replace household appliances, ENERGY STAR-certified products use less energy and help to reduce utility bills.

Save on energy-efficient products at Coast Appliances

Get a $110 statement credit on eligible spend of $2,200 or more in store or online. Shipping available in select provinces.

Panneaux solaires

Add solar panels

Solar panels can help to generate renewable electricity, lowering both your dependency on the grid and utility bills.

With Enbridge Sustain you can save more than just energy

Earn 25,000 Avion points when you switch your natural gas furnace to a SmartFlow system from Enbridge Sustain. Offer available in Ontario only.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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