Seeing Green to reduce energy consumption
In Canada, our homes are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after transportation. Electrical appliances, heating and cooling all contribute to climate change.
Fortunately, reducing emissions from our homes often involves easy - and very economical - choices.
By saving energy, you'll not only reduce emissions and your monthly electricity bill, but also free up hydropower for exports which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions for our customers and drive Manitoba's economy for everyone's benefit.
Manage lights and appliances.
- Turn the lights out when you leave a room.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps.
- Unplug stereos, radios, TVs, VCRs, and clocks when you leave on holidays. These appliances have standby features which use energy even though they are turned off.
- Turn off your video game machines and computers before you leave the house.
- Use a timer on your car block heater.
Make sure your home is properly insulated.
Insulation restricts the flow of heat both in and out of your home. Without proper insulation, even the most effective, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will have to work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The following is a checklist of places in your home that should be insulated.
- exterior walls, and walls between heated and unheated spaces (for example, an attached garage, floors over unheated or outside spaces)
- walls of a finished or heated basement
- rafters and knee walls of a finished attic
- ceilings with cold spaces above
- perimeter of a concrete floor slab, close to grade level
- exposed portion of foundation, or basement wall
Maintaining your cool (and heat) in every season
- Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows as well as electrical outlets
and switches located on outside walls.
- Use your blinds and drapes weather-wisely. Window coverings keep the heat of
sun out during the summer days and trap heat inside during cold winter nights.
- Do not block heating and cooling vents with furniture or appliances. Keep them
clear for efficient, effective ventilation and climate control.
- Install a storm door to protect your main door from Manitoba weather. It is
an extra layer that will reduce heat loss from your home. Choose a model with
a screened, sliding window for ventilation during the warmer seasons.
- In summer, turn the temperature setting UP (25 °C instead of 20°C)
on your air conditioner if you are leaving your home for the day. Adjust to the
ideal temperature when you will be home for an extended time. Shut it off completely
if you are leaving for several days.
- During the winter, turn down your thermostat a couple degrees when you aren't
home, and then again at night (it's healthier!).
- Use your range fan while cooking to vent hot air outside to keep your home
cooler during the summer.
- During summer months, reduce the heat load on your home – and cooling
system – by scheduling hot activities during cooler parts of the day. Run
the dishwasher in the evening. Iron as you watch the late-night news. Put a load
of whites in the wash just before heading to bed.
- Plant deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side of your home to provide cool
shade during the summer and allow sunshine through during the winter. Choose
local species -- they are adapted to Manitoba's climate and require less water
and maintenance.
- Plant coniferous (evergreen) trees on the north side of your home to protect
your home from cold winter winds. They also provide welcome shelter for winter
birds.
- Keep the basement door closed during the winter to prevent cool air from mixing
with warm air throughout the house.
- Laying rugs on cold floors – in the basement, the bathroom or even an
attached garage – will help to insulate and make the floor (and you) feel
warmer.
- Manitoba Hydro offers an in-home assessment service. It is a convenient way
to find out what needs to be done around your home to improve comfort and energy
efficiency, and to maximize energy savings. To arrange for an assessment, contact
Manitoba Hydro, toll-free at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or visit www.hydro.mb.ca .
- Purchase a home that meets or beats the federal government's R-2000 building standards.
Additional resources
Climate
Change Connection Tips for Climate-Friendly Living
Manitoba
Hydro Power Smart for your home
