Small Changes Add Up To Big Savings
By on Mar 28, 2008
Insulate your pipes.
One of the many easy things you can do when you move into a new fully detached, semi-detached or townhome dwelling is to insulate the exposed hot water pipes. This helps to reduce the heat lost from the hot water as it sits in or flows through the pipes. Start at the top of your hot water tank and follow the pipes along the open ceiling of your unfinished basement. Pipe insulation comes as a tube that slips easily over the pipe, is very inexpensive and usually comes in 3ft (approx. 90cm) lengths.
Dry your clothes outside.
I've always loved the smell of clothes that have hung outside to dry and this is also my favourite home energy saver. The old-fashioned clothesline works well for most backyards and some balconies. There are also a number of creative outdoor clothes drying racks to choose from, some specifically made for condominium balconies or smaller spaces.
Two years ago I put a clothesline up in my backyard that runs from my backdoor to my backyard fence. Every load of laundry we hang out means 30 to 45 minutes that my natural gas dryer isn't running and isn't using electricity or natural gas. From the early spring to the late fall we probably hang dry half of all the loads of laundry we do. Assuming this is for at least 6 months of the year and we do the same amount of laundry throughout the year, this means we have cut our clothes drying bill by 25 per cent.
As you make lifestyle adjustments that help reduce your energy use and bills you might try comparing your utility bills to friends who have similar homes. My bet is that you will see the difference.
