As the snow levels on the Rockies begin to become more prominent, and we count down the days on the calendar until the Christmas holidays, one thing that becomes very apparent is the escalating electricity cost of winter. And this year in particular is rumoured to be a doozie!
Dave Walton, Director of Home Ideas for Direct Energy took the time to talk to GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine about what we can do to save our pennies as well as our environment this season.
According to a survey conducted by Direct Energy, 55% of consumers are afraid of the amount of their winter utility bills. One can imagine that steep bills from Calgary‘s frigid climate will definitely put a damper in your Christmas spending. Walton agrees. "We know that higher energy bills in the winter can be stressful for homeowners, and many Canadians are unaware of the simple steps they can take to achieve real savings every month."
But according to Direct Energy, with these tips you may be able to save up to $5,634 this year!
Let’s face it times are tough and Alberta winters are cold. With these simple steps, you can ensure that you stay warm in your home, and keep some extra green insulation in your back pocket.
Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest energy and energy-related service providers with more that 6 million residential and commercial relationships. By checking out their website, you can find videos with step-by-step instructions on how to make some of these improvements.
5 Energy Saving Tips
1. Replace your furnace filter, now!
By replacing your filter every two or three months you can save up to 5% on heating bills. Replacing a conventional furnace with a high efficiency one can save you about $565 a year.
2. Schedule a home energy assessment.
3. Get to know the Federal ecoENERGY Retrofit program.
I am sure that this isn’t on the top of your priority list, but you will be glad that you did. "The government recently renewed the program for another year offering Canadians significant financial incentive to take steps towards energy efficiency," says Walton. "In addition to savings per bill, making energy investments in your home may qualify your family for thousands of dollars in federal rebates. With 47% of Albertans telling us that they’d consider making energy updates after being informed of the rebate, we’re really motivated to continue spreading the word."
4. Reevaluate your insulation!
By simply adding more of the fun pink stuff to your basement and attic you could save up to $307 a year, plus the additional potential of a rebate of $1250 from ecoEnergy! This is definitely a venture worth taking up.
5. Seal your leaks!
Weather stripping and caulking will be your best friends this winter as getting rid of these breezy leaks can save you about $108 per year and warrant $240 in ecoENERGY rebates.