Council of Energy Ministers

 Table of Contents

Moving Forward on Energy Efficiency in Canada: A Foundation for Action

Energy-saving Tips for All Canadians

By using energy efficiently and making wise consumer choices, Canadians can save money and
help protect the environment.

At Home

  • Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. Remember that the ENERGY STAR® logo
    indicates the most energy-efficient products in each class.
  • Use caulking and weather stripping to seal air leaks. You can reduce your home heating and
    cooling needs by up to 20 percent by getting rid of drafts and leaks around windows, doors,
    baseboards and attic hatches.
  • Lower your thermostat.
  • Upgrade the insulation in the walls, basement and attic; doing so can reduce your energy bill
    by as much as 30 percent.

On the Road

  • Save gas by driving the speed limit and keeping your vehicle well- tuned. Buy the most
    energy-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
  • Drive at the posted speed limit – increasing your cruising speed from 100 km/h to
    120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent.
  • Measure the inflation level of your tires once a month. A single under-inflated tire can
    increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 4 percent.
  • Don’t idle. Idling for 10 minutes a day can produce about a quarter tonne of CO2 emissions
    each year and cost you about $70 in wasted fuel. If you stop for more than 10 seconds,
    except in traffic, turn off your engine and save.

At Work

  • Buy ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment; this will keep your energy costs and GHG
    emissions down.
  • Turn off your computer (and electronic equipment) when it is not being used for more than
    one hour.
  • Minimize the amount of paper you use because printing, photocopying and faxing use energy. Use e-mail more often — it’s quicker, less expensive and healthier for the environment. Also use recycled paper wherever possible.

For more information on conserving energy, contact your local utility, your provincial or territorial
government, or visit the Government of Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency web site at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.