Energy Saving Tips From Your Friendly Neighbourhood Handyman

Energy bills can feel like a constant drain on your wallet. But fear not, fellow Torontonians! Even small changes around the house can make a big difference in your energy consumption. Here at Express Handyman, we're all about helping you save money and keep your home comfortable. So, we've compiled a list of handy tips to help you become an energy-saving superhero!

Be an Energy Hero: Simple Tips to Power Down Your Bills

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

• Embrace the Power of LEDs: Ditch those old incandescent bulbs! LED lights use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. They come in a variety of wattages and colour temperatures, so you can find the perfect fit for every room.

• Harness the Daylight: Open those curtains and blinds! Natural light is free and cheerful. Maximize it by strategically placing furniture away from windows and trimming back any bushes or trees that might be blocking the sun.

• Turn Off When Not in Use: This one seems obvious, but it's easy to forget. Get in the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room. Install occupancy sensors in high-traffic areas like hallways and bathrooms for an automated approach.

• Ditch the Nightlight:  Many modern appliances have standby lights that drain energy even when not in use. Consider unplugging electronics at night or using power bars with on/off switches.

Conquering the Climate

• Seal the Deal:  Drafty windows and doors are energy vampires. Caulk any cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent conditioned air from escaping. Weatherstripping around doors can also help seal the deal.

• Fan Fantastic:  Ceiling fans are your summer saviours. During hot weather, set your fan to spin counter-clockwise to create a cooling breeze. In the winter, reverse the direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, improving heating efficiency.

• Smart Thermostat for the Win:  A programmable thermostat is a wise investment. Set it to automatically adjust the temperature when you're away or asleep. Even a small decrease in winter and a slight increase in summer can significantly reduce energy consumption.

• Clean is King (or Queen):  Regularly clean or replace air filters in your furnace and air conditioner. A clogged filter makes your HVAC system work harder, using more energy.

Appliance Efficiency

• Upgrade When Necessary:  Older appliances are often energy guzzlers. Consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient models. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new appliances.

• Wash Wisely:  Always wash full loads of laundry and dishes to avoid wasting energy and water. Opt for the cold water setting whenever possible, as heating water accounts for most of the energy used in these processes.

• Air Dry it Out:  Skip the dryer whenever possible and hang clothes to dry naturally. This not only saves energy but can also extend the life of your clothes.

• Power Down Electronics:  Don't leave electronics on standby. Turn off TVs, computers, and game consoles when not in use. Consider using power strips with on/off switches for easy control of multiple devices.

Bonus Handyman Hacks

• Take Advantage of the Sun:  South-facing windows are prime real estate for passive solar heating. Open the curtains on sunny days to allow sunlight to warm your home naturally.

• Insulate Your Hot Water Heater: Wrapping your hot water heater with an insulation blanket can help retain heat and reduce energy loss.

• Lower the Temperature of Your Water Heater:  Most water heaters are set too high. Adjust the temperature to around 120°F (49°C) for optimal efficiency and to avoid scalding risks.

• Shorten Shower Time: Every minute counts! Aim for shorter showers to reduce hot water usage.

• Air Dry Your Dishes: Invest in a drying rack and let your dishes air dry after washing. This saves energy and can even prevent water spots on glasses.

Remember, Small Changes Make a Big Difference

By implementing these handy tips, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills. Every little bit counts! Even small changes in your daily habits can lead to big results.

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Express Handyman: Your Partner in Energy Savings

Looking for help implementing some of these tips around your house? The friendly team at Express Handyman is here for you! We offer a variety of services to help you improve your home's energy efficiency, including:

• Attic Insulation Installation: Proper attic insulation is crucial for keeping your home comfortable and reducing energy costs.

• Weatherstripping and Caulking: We can seal up those pesky drafts around windows and doors to prevent energy leaks.

• Smart Thermostat Installation: Let us help you choose and install a programmable thermostat for optimal energy savings.
  

We're committed to helping you create a comfortable and energy-efficient home.  Contact Express Handyman in Toronto today for a free consultation!  Let's work together to save you money and make your home a haven of energy efficiency.

Together, we can make a difference!