24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE

Lightbulb shining bright with a shimmering background of golden lights
Lightbulb shining bright with a shimmering background of golden lights

ELECTRICITY

6 SIMPLE TIPS TO LOWER YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL 

01/20/2023

High inflation has impacted consumer spending significantly. With no end to soaring prices in grocery stores, gas stations, and other establishments, many people want to cut down on household spending. One way of reducing unnecessary expenses is by lowering your utility bills. In this article, you’ll explore ways to reduce your electricity bill.

Upgrading To An Energy Efficient Home

According to the Canada Energy Regulator, “residential electricity use is associated with about four percent of Canadian greenhouse gas emissions” (1).

 

It’s a win-win scenario to enhance your home and do your part for the future of our planet. By upgrading your systems, you’ll find your utility bills noticeably decrease. 

Something to consider is installing smart home technologies such as Google Nest, Amazon Echo, etc. It can help homeowners and renters control and automate their thermostats, lights, appliances, and other devices through a mobile app or installed device.

 

When you have the convenience to modify the temperature, light, humidity, and other functions, you’ll be able to cut down on your electricity and gas bills.

Tip 1: Unplug Phantom Loads

Phantom Loads, also known as “Vampire Energy”, refer to unnecessary power consumption through devices and appliances that are plugged into your home.

 

A simple solution to switching off devices when not in use is by plugging them into a smart power strip. By creating a habit of turning the power strip off when you’re not using the devices, you’ll cut down on phantom loads that draw power even when it’s all turned off.

Image of a power strip to show how it has an on/off button to reduce phantom loads.

You won’t be saving hundreds of dollars a month by implementing this new habit. But over the months and years of accumulated wasteful energy use, you may notice a difference in your electricity bill. You’ll also be doing a favour to the environment by reducing your phantom loads.

Tip 2: Switch Your Light Fixtures to LED

LED lightbulbs have become noticeably more affordable in recent years but are still more pricey than incandescent lightbulbs. When you take into account how much longer LED lightbulbs last compared to incandescent lightbulbs, you’ll understand that it’s worth the switch. 

 

“A standard incandescent bulb has a longevity of about 750 hours while a comparable LED bulb can last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. 100,000 hours translates to 11 years of operating continuously; imagine not changing a light bulb for more than a decade!” (2) 

If you’re interested in finding out more about LED lightbulbs, check out this article by SquareOne.

 

And here’s our service page to explore how we can help you install your lighting fixtures.

Tip 3: Routine HVAC Maintenance & Inspection

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These home systems that are installed into our homes regulate air quality and temperatures. When you have routine inspection and maintenance done on your HVAC, you’ll not only save energy but you’ll also cut down on your electricity bill.

 

By cleaning out the ducts and replacing filters, your appliances and systems will require less energy use to be optimally efficient.

 

If you can’t remember the last time you had your home systems inspected, it may be a good idea to do so! Take care of your HVAC and upgrade where necessary to pay less on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.


Pro Tips: In the Pacific Northwest, summers have been getting increasingly hotter every year. Many people have never had an air conditioning unit in their homes. The best practice to save on your electricity bill is to get a cover for your AC unit or to create shade for your AC unit by planting trees or shrubs to keep it out of the sun.

Tip 4: Have Your Insulation Inspected

According to BC Hydro, “upgrading insulation will help you save at least 10% of your home’s energy cost and improve your home’s comfort all year” (3). It makes a massive difference on your electricity bill when you have air leaking in and out of your home. 

 

BC Hydro and Fortis BC offer homeowners Home Insulation Rebates! Visit their websites to see if you qualify for the rebate to upgrade your attic, exterior walls, and other areas of your home.

Tip 5: Check Your Chaulking Around Windows

Speaking of air leaking in and out of your home, this also applies to your windows. Inspect all of your windows to feel any draft that may affect the heating and cooling of your home. When you have air seeping in, your heaters and air conditioning have to work extra hard to keep up with your programmed temperatures and humidity levels.

 

Pro Tips: 

  • Choose the correct chaulk.
  • Seal the exterior of the drafty window
  • Chaulk the interior window trim

 

Bob Vila has a comprehensive article for you to chaulk your windows correctly. If this is your first time doing it yourself, research from reputable sources before you begin.

 

Not everyone finds enjoyment in DIY projects. We’re here to lend you a hand with our expert technicians.

Tip 6: Inspect Your Weather Stripping

Did you know that “sealing gaps around doors and windows can make your home feel warmer—and save you 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills”? (4) 

 

Weatherstripping your doors and windows is affordable and easy to do yourself. You can go to any home center to get the appropriate materials to save some money on your electricity bill. If you’re not sure what kind to get, take a sample from your current door or window to the home center.

 

Check out this article to read about the “5 Types of Weather Stripping Material” to see which one you’ll need for your door or window.

Window chaulking is being done to seal the window.

To Recap

By adding these 5 tips to your to-do list, you’ll not only be saving some money off of your electricity bill but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. 

 

  • Decrease phantom loads: unnecessary devices and appliances plugged in
  • Use LED lights instead of incandescent lightbulbs
  • Get your HVAC inspected by a professional or do the appropriate research
  • Insulation: get your walls inspected by a professional to see if you need replacements. If you do, see if you qualify for rebates!
  • Walk around your house and check all of the weather stripping for the doors and windows. 
Call High Mark’s professional technicians to schedule your appointment for your repairs & maintenance done today at 604-245-8970.

We hope that you found this blog post useful.

If you found this blog post helpful for conserving energy at home, send us a message on one of our social media accounts with your biggest takeaway! We love to hear from our customers and readers.

Sources Cited
  1. Canada Energy Regulator: Market Snapshot: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with residential electricity consumption vary significantly by province and territory. June 21, 2017.
  2. SquareOne: Why LED lighting is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Sept 9, 2022.
  3. BC Hydro: Insulation Rebates.
  4. This Old House: 5 Types of Weather Stripping Material. Vaglica, Sal.

LIKE THIS ARTICLE?

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

RECENT ARTICLES

High inflation has impacted consumer spending significantly. With no end to soaring prices in grocery stores, gas stations, and other establishments, many people want to cut down on household spending. One way of reducing unnecessary expenses is by lowering your utility bills. In this article, you’ll explore ways to reduce your electricity bill.

Upgrading To An Energy Efficient Home

According to the Canada Energy Regulator, “residential electricity use is associated with about four percent of Canadian greenhouse gas emissions” (1).

 

It’s a win-win scenario to enhance your home and do your part for the future of our planet. By upgrading your systems, you’ll find your utility bills noticeably decrease. 

Something to consider is installing smart home technologies such as Google Nest, Amazon Echo, etc. It can help homeowners and renters control and automate their thermostats, lights, appliances, and other devices through a mobile app or installed device.

 

When you have the convenience to modify the temperature, light, humidity, and other functions, you’ll be able to cut down on your electricity and gas bills.

Tip 1: Unplug Phantom Loads

Phantom Loads, also known as “Vampire Energy”, refer to unnecessary power consumption through devices and appliances that are plugged into your home.

 

A simple solution to switching off devices when not in use is by plugging them into a smart power strip. By creating a habit of turning the power strip off when you’re not using the devices, you’ll cut down on phantom loads that draw power even when it’s all turned off.

Image of a power strip to show how it has an on/off button to reduce phantom loads.

You won’t be saving hundreds of dollars a month by implementing this new habit. But over the months and years of accumulated wasteful energy use, you may notice a difference in your electricity bill. You’ll also be doing a favour to the environment by reducing your phantom loads.

Tip 2: Switch Your Light Fixtures to LED

LED lightbulbs have become noticeably more affordable in recent years but are still more pricey than incandescent lightbulbs. When you take into account how much longer LED lightbulbs last compared to incandescent lightbulbs, you’ll understand that it’s worth the switch. 

 

“A standard incandescent bulb has a longevity of about 750 hours while a comparable LED bulb can last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours. 100,000 hours translates to 11 years of operating continuously; imagine not changing a light bulb for more than a decade!” (2) 

If you’re interested in finding out more about LED lightbulbs, check out this article by SquareOne.

 

And here’s our service page to explore how we can help you install your lighting fixtures.

Tip 3: Routine HVAC Maintenance & Inspection

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These home systems that are installed into our homes regulate air quality and temperatures. When you have routine inspection and maintenance done on your HVAC, you’ll not only save energy but you’ll also cut down on your electricity bill.

 

By cleaning out the ducts and replacing filters, your appliances and systems will require less energy use to be optimally efficient.

 

If you can’t remember the last time you had your home systems inspected, it may be a good idea to do so! Take care of your HVAC and upgrade where necessary to pay less on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint.


Pro Tips: In the Pacific Northwest, summers have been getting increasingly hotter every year. Many people have never had an air conditioning unit in their homes. The best practice to save on your electricity bill is to get a cover for your AC unit or to create shade for your AC unit by planting trees or shrubs to keep it out of the sun.

Tip 4: Have Your Insulation Inspected

According to BC Hydro, “upgrading insulation will help you save at least 10% of your home’s energy cost and improve your home’s comfort all year” (3). It makes a massive difference on your electricity bill when you have air leaking in and out of your home. 

 

BC Hydro and Fortis BC offer homeowners Home Insulation Rebates! Visit their websites to see if you qualify for the rebate to upgrade your attic, exterior walls, and other areas of your home.

Tip 5: Check Your Chaulking Around Windows

Speaking of air leaking in and out of your home, this also applies to your windows. Inspect all of your windows to feel any draft that may affect the heating and cooling of your home. When you have air seeping in, your heaters and air conditioning have to work extra hard to keep up with your programmed temperatures and humidity levels.

 

Pro Tips: 

  • Choose the correct chaulk.
  • Seal the exterior of the drafty window
  • Chaulk the interior window trim

 

Bob Vila has a comprehensive article for you to chaulk your windows correctly. If this is your first time doing it yourself, research from reputable sources before you begin.

 

Not everyone finds enjoyment in DIY projects. We’re here to lend you a hand with our expert technicians.

Tip 6: Inspect Your Weather Stripping

Did you know that “sealing gaps around doors and windows can make your home feel warmer—and save you 10 to 15 percent on your energy bills”? (4) 

 

Weatherstripping your doors and windows is affordable and easy to do yourself. You can go to any home center to get the appropriate materials to save some money on your electricity bill. If you’re not sure what kind to get, take a sample from your current door or window to the home center.

 

Check out this article to read about the “5 Types of Weather Stripping Material” to see which one you’ll need for your door or window.

Window chaulking is being done to seal the window.

To Recap

By adding these 5 tips to your to-do list, you’ll not only be saving some money off of your electricity bill but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. 

 

  • Decrease phantom loads: unnecessary devices and appliances plugged in
  • Use LED lights instead of incandescent lightbulbs
  • Get your HVAC inspected by a professional or do the appropriate research
  • Insulation: get your walls inspected by a professional to see if you need replacements. If you do, see if you qualify for rebates!
  • Walk around your house and check all of the weather stripping for the doors and windows. 
Call High Mark’s professional technicians to schedule your appointment for your repairs & maintenance done today at 604-245-8970.

We hope that you found this blog post useful.

 

If you found this blog post helpful for conserving energy at home, send us a message on one of our social media accounts with your biggest takeaway! We love to hear from our customers and readers.

Sources Cited
  1. Canada Energy Regulator: Market Snapshot: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with residential electricity consumption vary significantly by province and territory. June 21, 2017.
  2. SquareOne: Why LED lighting is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Sept 9, 2022.
  3. BC Hydro: Insulation Rebates.
  4. This Old House: 5 Types of Weather Stripping Material. Vaglica, Sal.