Everyone talks about saving energy, money and the planet through conservation. We have prepared a list of tips, rebate programs and resources to get you started for home or business:

Any-time Tips:

• Flick the switch: Turn off lights, TVs, appliances and other devices when you are not using them.
• Create ambience AND save money. Install and use a dimmer switch. Dimmed bulbs use less power.
• Consider adding renewables to your energy mix. Bring in an expert to assess and recommend solutions right for you. (Hint: We can help!)
• Energy Auditors can assess energy efficiency and recommend improvements
• "Net Metering": Produce your own solar energy and "sell" surplus to the power utility to lower your energy bills. 

Money Down the Drain? Hot Water Savings:

• Install a solar hot-water system. Check out grant and low interest loan programs in Nova Scotia.
• Short showers use about 20% as much hot water as a bath.
• Add an aerator onto your sink faucet. 
• Install a low-flow shower head. Some even come with timers!
• Do you know how hot your water heater heats to? 60° Celcius is all you really need.
• Using a traditional water heater? Keep the tank and pipes insulated.
• Plug it up. Instead of using running water, fill your sink basin halfway for washing a batch of dishes.
• Washing clothes in cold water will save energy and keep fabrics brighter. 

Keep Your Cool with Summer Tips:

• Invest in a properly installed heat pump to cool (and heat in cool months) your home or office.
• Maintain your air conditioning unit(s) according to manufacturer instructions to optimize efficiency, including filter changes.
• Before you buy, consider the energy efficiency of air conditioning units by comparing the SEER ratings. The higher the #, the greater the efficiency.
• Increasing the therostat by 1 degree Celcius can equal a five percent savings.
• Go au naturel. Open windows and use fans, particularly at night, to circulate fresh, cool air.
• Close the drapes and shades, particularly on southern facing windows, to reduce solar heating.
• Even your air conditioner can benefit from a little shade. Plants, trees or structures block sunlight without blocking airflow.
• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically keep temperatures a little warmer when you are not home.

Weather the Winter Tips:

• Invest in a properly installed heat pump to heat (and cool in hot months) your home or office.
• Surprise, Solar PV actually works best in the cold! Think solar heating.
• Windows let light in and, unfortunately, heat out. Up the integrity of your windows by adding plastic cling film to reduce drafts in winter. 
• Check seals around windows and doors and add weatherstripping and caulk where needed.
• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically keep temperatures a little lower when you are not home or are sleeping. 
• Grab a comfy hoodie, sweater or blanket and lower the thermostat. Even one degree can make a big difference.
• Add an extra blanket and you won’t even notice lowering the thermostat 2 degrees at night.
• Unused space? Keep the door closed and heat off in rooms you do not often use.
• Throw rugs can both soften and warm up cold floors.
• Maintain air filters on your furnace according the manufacturer instructions.
• Go with the flow - ensure air vents or baseboard heaters are unobstructed.
• Reverse the direction of a ceiling fan to push warm air down.
• "Net Metering": Produce your own solar energy and "sell" surplus to the power utility to lower your energy bills. 

Keep it Clean - Laundry Tips:

• Your dryer creates a lot of heat. When one load is done, throw in another right after to take advantage of the heat already created.
• Keep your dryer hose reasonably short and clean the lint trap before each load and clean the lint trap before each load.
• Let your dryer shut off when it detects that the load is dry rather than using the timer.
• Fill'er up. Run full, though not overfull, loads of wash.

Kitchen Tips:

• Stoves and ovens can be real power piggies. Microwaves, electric kettles, and toaster ovens heat more efficiently. 
• Ice buildup in the freezer reduces its efficiency. If it keeps frosting up, check the seal around the door/drawer for integrity.
• For high efficiency, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol.

Savings at Work - Business Tips:

• Compact fluorescent lights can save 50% of the cost of using incandescent bulbs.
• Let printers and copiers go to "sleep" when not in use.
• Why not make the most of natural light during the day? Reduce glare, turn off the lights, save $$$.
• Consider adding renewable energy to the mix to reduce expenses and increase ethical corporate impact. Talk to an expert.
• "Net Metering": Produce your own solar energy and "sell" surplus to the power utility to lower your energy bills. 
• Invest in a properly installed heat pump to heat (and cool in hot months) your home or office.
• Look to grants and subsidies to "green" up operations and save $$$, save the planet.
• For high efficiency, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol.
• Use an automatic thermostat to regulate temperatures around business hours.
• Turn off computers at night.
• Assess old equipment and systems. Time to invest in upgrades or improvements to increase energy efficiency?
• Think before you print.
• Laptops use less energy than desktops.

Rebates, Financing and Resources:

• Efficiency Nova Scotia: Heat Pumps
• Efficiency Nova Scotia: Rebates for Business
• Efficiency Nova Scotia: Rebates for Homeowners
• Nova Scotia Power: Net Metering
• Nova Scotia Power: Heat Pump Financing
• Clean Foundation Nova Scotia