Home Energy Conservation Tips for Calgary Residents

Calgary is a great city to live and work in. But it is not just great for the residents, it is also great for the environment. Calgary homes reflect the city's commitment to help mitigate the effects of climate change. The City is committed to protecting our precious land, air and water resources. These efforts include implementing a sustainable building policy; using renewable electricity; reducing energy use; capturing greenhouse gases; using  energy efficient street lights; and ensuring clean air among others.

But if you plan to buy any of the Calgary houses for sale, it might be better for you to brush up on some tips to help you save energy, save money and do your part for the environment.

1. Save on Your Outdoor Lighting

For Calgary homes, outdoor lighting used to mean a welcoming porch light or a floodlit driveway. Today, energy-saving measures include automated controls, sensors and  outdoor compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and spotlights that are creative, economical and friendly to the environment.

Photo by thijis.

You can also use infrared or halogen parabolic aluminum reflector (PAR) spotlights for bigger outdoor spaces – they are not just cost-wise and environmentally-sound, they provide better security. Enhance the effectiveness of security lighting with motion detectors on halogen bulbs that consume about 40 percent less electricity and last up to four times as long as incandescent bulbs. For maximum efficiency, buy sensors that aren't triggered during daylight, and adjust the sensitivity so animals don't turn them on. Maximize the sun's natural energy with simple solar-powered lights for landscapes and paths.

 2. Save on Your Furnace

Most of the classical houses in such communities as Lake Bonavista and Mount Royal have old furnaces. It is as basic as cleaning your furnace and keeping them lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. That way, your furnace will use less energy and cost less to operate. Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.                                      

3. Save on Your Thermostat

Research found out that houses with lower thermostat (by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius or 7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) while people are sleeping at night and when no one is at home significantly reduce their energy consumption. You can install a programmable thermostat and save 2% on your heating bill for every 1 degree C you turn down your thermostat.        

4. Save on Your Laundry

Always switch to cold when doing your laundry. 85 – 90% of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money.    Also, make sure that you wash full load and use a front loading washing machine:  it uses about 40% less water and about 50% less energy.           

5.  Save on Your Windows, doorframes, sills and joints

Calgary condos and houses may save energy by applying a sealant around windows, doorframes, sills and joints, or use plastic covers to prevent heat loss.

6. Save on Your Basement

Your clue? Look for a spider web. It means there is a draft and a leak. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement.  So, insulate the basement walls.

These are just some of the ways in which Calgary houses reduce their energy use. The city government has a vast resource of materials and tips to make the City as environmentally friendly as possible.