Lighting and Electrical

• Consider low wattage light bulbs and flourescent lighting.
• Consider the use of timers for a more efficient lighting source.
• Make sure that you turn off all lights as you exit rooms.
• Use enegy saving features on computers, monitors, and other entertainment devices.
• Use task lighting where applicable - instead of lighting the entire room, focus on the light where it is needed (i.e. lamps).
• Consider using 3-way lamps.
• Use energy efficient compact flourescent bulbs.
• Place floor lamps or table lamps in a corner, as light will reflect from the two walls.
• Ensure light builbs and fixtures are clean, as dust or dirt can reduce the light that is being emitted by more than 10%.
• Install a light dimmer - an incandescent light dimmed by 25% can save 10% on energy use and extend the life of the bulb.
• Install motion-detecting devices in closets, hallways, and bathrooms.
• If you replace 25% of the lights in high-use areas with flourescent lights, you can save about 50% of your lighting costs.
• Reduce lighting where possible.

Clothes Dryers

• Clean the lint filter of the dryer after every use, as clogged lint filters increase drying time.
• Do not over-dry clothes.
• Use full loads of clothes in dryers.
• Dry towels and heavier cottons in seperate load from lighter items.
• Use the cooldown cycle to allow clothes to finish drying with the heat that is left in the dryer.

Refridgerator

• Check the refridgerator door gasket to ensure a good seal.
• Ensure refridgerator door is sealed tightly after each use.
• Do not obstruct vents inside the refridgerator compartments.
• Let hot leftovers cool down before putting them in the refridgerator.
• Do not overload refridgerators or freezers with food.
• Cover liquids and wrap foods. Uncovered foods create excessive moisture and make the compressor work harder.
• Defrost freezers on a regular basis.
• Move the fridgerator out from the wall, and vaccuum once a year to maximize performance.

Microwave

• Defrost food naturally rather than using the microwave.
• Never use a two-prong adapter or an extension cord to plug in a microwave oven.
• Allow space around the microwave for proper ventilation.
• Boil large quantities of water on your stove or in an electric kettle.

Dishwasher

• Do not overload.
• Do not run machine for half full loads.
• Use shorter cycles when you have easy to clean dishes.
• If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, choose this instead of the hard-dry setting.
• Check the manual or the manufacturer recommendations on the water temperature.
• Scrape, but do not rinse large food particles from dirty dishes. Soaking or pre-washing dishes is only recommended for heavily soiled utensils.
• Do not use the "rinse hold" function for a few soiled dishes, as it wastes 12-28 litres of hot water each time you use it.