Making my house energy efficient

[Wookie]

Okay, figured I'd try to do a little bit to save some money.

I went out and spent $80+ on light-bulbs. Changed most of them, wow, didn't realize there were so many. So - once I get the rest done - should be good for another, 5 - 10 years right?

Next what can I do?

What I'm looking for are suggestions that are manageable cost/wise and easy. The light bulbs falls in that category. Windows... Not so much.

I've turned off my furnace for the summer (I think).

Also I've got ceiling fans that I'm pretty much running most of the time I'm home now. Except when I sleep. Do those use much power?

I try to turn off all my lights when I can.

Thanks

[SteveToms]

Make sure your doors/windows are properly sealed

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by SteveToms

Make sure your doors/windows are properly sealed

That would only help in the winter right? If my furnace is off all summer? Can I test that myself? Do I need to get someone in to do it?

[Wookie]

Looking around I found this
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/p...ant.cfm?attr=4

Anyone do that?

[Wookie]

Also, found this at home depot's website.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...isplay=rebates

Scroll through the provinces. Alberta is pretty weak compared to the other large provinces.

[4X4]

Don't forget to be cost efficient as well... Change the bulbs as they burn out. If your water heater is going, consider a tankless water heater. Windows are expensive and you'll really only increase your R rating by 2 or 3 by putting in the high end windows. Even the best windows will only give you an R 6 or 7. If they tell you anything higher, they're lying.

Best place to start is by limiting your home from drafts. Go check if your foundation walls have cracks between the concrete and the wood. If there is space, you're losing heat (obviously). Put some caulk in there. This is not a useful comment unless your basement is still undeveloped.
In an undeveloped basement you can go down there in the daytime and see light sneaking through the space between your upper level and the basement.

Another thing you can do is to make sure your door is making a good seal when closed. Alot of doors aren't fully closed when 'closed'. Fixing crappy doors only takes a bit of logic and a bit more ambition. It's fairly easy and this is the right time of year to do it as you're going to have the door wide open for a couple of hours while fixing it.
Weather stripping is easy to change. Do it if you're looking to green up a bit and also to save a few bucks per month on energy.

[SteveToms]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Also, found this at home depot's website.

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/s...isplay=rebates

Scroll through the provinces. Alberta is pretty weak compared to the other large provinces.

No really??? I would have never guessed.

[TurnedTheCorner]

I changed to CFL bulbs last year and have noticed absolutely no change in my monthly power consumption.

[Shazam]

Turn down the temp on the water heater.
Check for water leaks.
Seal outside leaks with silicone.
Seal inside leaks with spray foam.
Tighten the bottom of your door jambs.

Some ceiling fans use mucho power.

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Looking around I found this
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/p...ant.cfm?attr=4

Anyone do that?

Funnily enough I was investigating it just yesterday here in Ottawa.

It wasn't saving me any money.

They pay $150 of the $300 initial assessment. I'd then need a $150 post installation assessment.

Which would qualify me for a $100 rebate (new toilet and window).

Definitley worth investigating though if you're spending more money (new boiler or furnace)