Home >> Lifestyle: Home Savings:   Energy Efficiency At Home by Environment Canada   Fix your tea or instant soup with water boiled in the microwave. It saves time, and energy! Energy efficiency means fewer emissions which lead to global warming. Glass and ceramic cookware decrease cooking temperatures by an average 15 degrees Celsius. It's energy efficiency at work. Pots and pans with flat bottoms, straight sides, tightfitting lids and matched to the size of the stovetop element will increase energy efficiency and save you money. Look for the EnerGuide label when shopping for major appliances. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the machine. It will save lots of money over time. Make sure the fridge is away from the oven, dishwasher or direct sunlight. Clean the coils at the back. Your fridge will work better, use less energy and save on energy bills. Check refrigerator seals by closing them on a piece of paper. If it pulls out easily, make a service call. You'll increase energy efficiency and keep the power bills down! If your second fridge isn't used much, pull the plug. Save the money on your electricity bill, and use less energy. Energy efficiency cuts the emissions contributing to global warming. Look in the window to check on what's cooking. Opening the oven door lowers the temperature, increases cooking time and wastes energy. Clean light bulbs work better! Dirty ones can reduce light by up to 25% Dust them off. Life will look brighter and you'll save energy. When daylight savings time ends, check the lights! Compact fluorescent light bulbs and halogen lamps will save energy. Install 2-way switches in halls and stairways so lights can be switched off from different locations. Family members will be encouraged to turn off the lights and save energy. Dimmer switches and highlow switches are easy ways to save on energy costs. The less energy we use, the fewer emissions which contribute to global warming. Buy fewer light bulbs by installing compact fluorescents. They last 10 times longer and use 25% less energy than regular bulbs. They'll save you money in the long run.

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