Conserving energy is more than just saving money. Today it has become a massive movement in also protecting our environment. Benjamin Franklin said, “Beware of Little Expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship”. Following these simple suggestions, little by little we will reap the rewards of not only lower utility costs but we can also celebrate contributing to saving energy and as a result, saving our environment. 

1. Replacing Aged Windows — Older windows can add to heat loss as the seals begin to break down and with years of opening and closing, the locking system can cause air leakage. With so many features and price points available today, you can choose a higher R value contributing to keeping the warm air in, and as an added bonus, keeping the noise out.
   
   Pro Tip: Hiring a professional to install your new windows is always a good choice. Ensuring a proper install is just as important as replacing windows in terms of reaping the benefits. 
2. LED Holiday Lights — LED lighting uses 75% less energy and can last 25% longer than incandescent lighting. This trendy lighting choice also emits less heat and is more resistant to breakage. Converting your holiday exterior lighting to LED will not only be less of a fire hazard, it also conserves energy. LED lighting is also becoming the norm in interior lighting for these same reasons. 
3. Clean Air — Maintaining your HVAC system year round will aid in preventing costly and unplanned repairs. Don’t be left out in the cold. It is recommend for your heating system be checked yearly and filters replaced at least once every 3 months, depending on your environment. In homes with pets, construction or smoking you may find more comfort in replacing these filters monthly. Clean systems will operate more efficiently.
4. Thermostat Temperature — Statistics reveal that we use 3-5% more energy for each degree the thermostat is set above 20 degrees. When we are home, dressing in warm clothing as apposed to cranking the temp will save dollars.  When we are not home, lowering the thermostat by 10-15% can assist in saving 5-15% on a yearly energy bill.
5. Master the Damper — Closing the damper down on a healthy fire in the wood stove will close the chimney allowing heat to stay inside the home and not escape as fast. Every wood stove is different, some are down right fussy. Learning what works best for your wood stove’s damper will require trial and error to master.
   
   Pro Tip: For safety reasons it is important to have your wood stove WETT Certified. This is also a requirement for insurance purposes and will serve you well when you sell your home.
6. Airflow — Rotating ceiling fans to a clockwise position on a low setting will prevent the air from travelling up and escaping. The clockwise airflow aids in containing the heat at a lower level allowing the rooms we occupy to stay warmer, longer.
7. Get Caulk-y — Up to 25% of heat loss is through small cracks and holes in all areas of the home. Inspecting for cracks and drafts especially around windows and doors will assist in locating heat loss points. Properly caulking these cracks will serve in eliminating the uncomfortable cool air and save on energy as well.
8. Insulate — Properly insulated walls, flooring and attic can save up to 10% on your total energy costs. Today’s choices can be daunting. Some fibre options consist of cellulose, cotton and fibreglass with foam selections of cementitious, polyicynene & polyurethane as well as agricultural based insulation. Overwhelmed? The good news is, there are copious options offering significant results. Please feel free to contact me for advice. I am always happy to help.