Cold Weather:

Set your thermostat lower in the winter.

Turn off your space heater when you leave the room or go to bed at night.

Open curtains and blinds during the day to let heat in, and close them at night to help keep the heat inside your home.

Vacuum baseboard heaters at least twice a year to prevent dust from building up, so heat can more easily move through your house.

Reduce your hot water consumption by up to 50 per cent by using low-flow aerated showerheads.

Make sure your water heater is insulated properly. Taking long hot showers is an expensive way to warm up. Consider taking baths instead.

Hot Weather:

Close your windows and outside doors to keep in cool air.

Shade your home and significantly reduce cooling costs by planting trees, vines and shrubs, or installing awnings or patio covers.

Use a ceiling fan as a low-cost alternative to air conditioning. (If you already have air conditioning, a ceiling fan will help you circulate the cool air.)

Clean or replace air conditioner filters every month. Have your air conditioner serviced annually to make sure it is running properly.

Replace your air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR® qualified unit and use up to per cent less energy.

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR qualified windows and reduce your cooling costs by up to per cent.

Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven. It produces less heat, uses less electricity and cuts down on cooking time.