The Power to stretch

Here are some useful hints to help you stretch your home energy dollars even further

• Try lowering your thermostat by 5 degrees Celsius during the night and when no one is home.
• Maintain your furnace by cleaning, lubricating and adjusting it on an annual basis.
• If your basement is unfinished, check it for spider webs, which indicates leaks and drafts.
• Set your water heater to 54 degrees Celsius, or 60 degrees Celsius if you have a dishwasher.
• Don't start your dishwasher until it's full and let the dishes air-dry.
• Install ceiling fans to encourage the circulation of warm air throughout your home.
• Set your fridge to 3 degrees Celsius and your freezer to -18 degrees Celsius.
• Replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
• If you have a wood fireplace, close the damper when it's not in use.