Looking to spend less where you can? Your utility bills are within your control. Follow a few simple practices and you could be saving up to $1,242 every year.
In 2017, the average Canadian household spent $16,846 towards living expenditures of a primary residence. This includes accommodation, water, fuel and electricity, and amounts to 29.2 per cent of total consumption of goods and services.
Narrow that down to utilities alone, and we spend $2,484 a year. On average, the Fraser Institute reported in 2013 that 2.6 per cent of our total household spending is paying our utility bills. Reduce that bill by 50 per cent and you could be saving $1,242 a year.
Cover Your Windows
Windows account for about 30 per cent of heat loss in a home. While 76 per cent of sunlight can enter and become heat.
Window insulation film is becoming recognised as an energy-saving option for the home due to its heat storing properties. Therefore, your thermostat temperature can be reduced, saving you energy and money. Try some of our other heat-storing options while preparing your apartment for winter.
Throughout the summer, blackout curtains are recommended to reduce heat gain. Curtains with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33 per cent.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Canada is ranked seventh in the world for total electricity consumption per year, while per capita Canada uses the most electricity per person in the world.
Direct Energy says unplugging unused electronics could save you as much as $200 per year.
Studies have show just how much power typical consumer goods use when plugged in but not in use. An LCD TV could cost you $2.11 per year. An audio system, $5.74 per year. And a Microsoft Xbox One, $10.83 each year in standby mode.
Unplugging is not the only solution. Regulate the flow of power with an advanced power strip to reduce energy consumption for electronics on standby.
Install Energy-Efficient Lightbulbs
Energy-efficient lightbulbs use between 70 and 90 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs. These lightbulbs often carry performance and lifespan warranties, so you'll also be saving money on purchasing.
Energy.gov says these lightbulbs can last you 3-25 times longer than regular incandescent lightbulbs, you can also save up to $75 each year.
Look for the Energy Star certification to ensure you're getting the best quality product that has been tested 'to meet strict efficiency specifications' according to the Energy Star promise.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
According to Energystar.gov, "products that earn the Energy Star are independently certified to save energy, save money and protect the climate." All new appliances installed in Avenue Living Communities properties possesses the Energy Star label, saving you energy, and money.
This year we also partnered with industry-leading experts in furnace and water heating, Enercare Home Services and Reliance Home Comfort, to upgrade systems in our Albertan townhomes with high-efficiency systems. Replacements are expected to be completed by 2023, with both companies also handling maintenance requests so residents can expect a high-quality service from the experts.
"It sure has made a difference on the warmth of this unit. It is much warmer than what I have had for the past 2 1/2 years," said one resident via email. "Thank you so much for this new furnace."
Energy Star says a washing machine uses the same amount of energy despite the amount of clothes loaded. They recommend loading the machine to capacity to save power per loads, while washing on the cold setting can also save energy. They reported water heating consumes 90 per cent of energy it takes to operate a washing machine.
Sign Up for Our Hassle-Free Utilities Program
We know how difficult it can be paying utilities each month, not knowing exactly how much energy you have used. That is why we developed our hassle-free Utilities Program so there are no surprises when it comes to paying the bills.
If the average Canadian household spends $2,484 a year on utilities, our average pricing across property type reduces that cost and amounts to $146.25 per month, $1,755 a year. That could be savings of $729.
Our most popular suite, a two-bedroom apartment, costs $100.00 per month. No surprises. Costing you $1,200 a year in utilities.
No matter which steps you follow, you'll be well on your way to saving on utilities every year.