Take steps to save energy

It’s hard to avoid the reality of rising energy costs with $1.45 a litre gas signs hanging all over town. And while it’s summer and we spend as much time outside as possible, this fall could shock people when they see their electricity and gas bills jump as the weather cools.

With the government’s highly contested carbon tax now in effect, and the ensuing $100 Climate Action Dividend in most people’s accounts, The Record decided to seek out what steps we could all take to cut our energy costs.

At home

Fraser Valley Building Supplies’ Michelle Favero said there are federal and provincial programs available to help consumers discover their home’s efficiency. B.C. Hydro also supplies energy kits to low-income families that include compact fluorescents light bulbs, weather stripping, fridge and freezer thermometers and a low flow showerhead.

LiveSmart B.C. is a provincial initiative, and its website livesmartbc.ca has numerous tips to help reduce your energy usage.

Favero says there are some basic things every household can do to mitigate heating loss, and improve building efficiency.

“Make sure your doors have weather stripping,” she said. At an average of $5 a door, it’s a very low investment.

Changing lights that are activated for long periods with compact fluorescent lights can also help reduce the burden. They cost about five times as much, she said, but last around 10 times longer.

Another simple tip is to replace your furnace filter, and further, to have your heating ducts cleaned. The material that builds up in the ducts causes the furnace to work harder for longer to heat your home.

A properly insulated attic can make a big difference over time too, Favero stated. Ensure the insulation is R-20 or better.

And with the recent housing boom in B.C., residents with new homes shouldn’t be lulled into a potentially false sense of security. Take a close look at the gas fireplace and make sure it doesn’t have a continuously running pilot light, she advised. And if you didn’t request one during construction, replace the standard thermostat with a programmable one, which is another easy fix. If dimmers were installed, check to make sure they are energy efficient.

The Mission business also has a program called EnerGrade, which can link you with an energy advisor. The advisor comes to your home and does a door blower test —  it measures your home’s airtightness. The advisor then gives you a list of items they recommend you change to improve the airtightness, and informs you of the grants available for certain items. If you do the upgrades, a second test is required, after which the advisor signs off on the repairs, and helps you fill out the paperwork to claim the grants.

An when it comes to energy efficiency, not all appliances are created equal.

According to Chris Matus, of Matus Appliances, look for the energy rating placards affixed to all new appliances. The provincial government is currently offering a $100 rebate and PST exemption on all new front-load washing machines. The front-loaders are now very popular, and with good reason, Matus offered. On average, the machines save up to 100 litres of water per load, plus you are able to get more clothes into each load, reducing the number of loads needed, as well as saving money and water.

Some of his customers are seeing enough savings per year to equal one hydro payment.

On the road

While it would be nice if we could all work in the community in which we live, that simply isn’t the case. Commuting is a reality that 65 per cent of Mission residents face, as they strap into their personal vehicles and leave the district each day for work. And for many people, public transportation just isn’t an option.

So what can we do to reduce our fuel and associated vehicle costs?

According to Symons Tire’s Daryl Alstad, keeping your car or truck’s tires properly inflated is key. If the pressure is low, it increases the vehicles rolling resistance, meaning the engine has to work harder to propel you forward. The proper pressure for your tires is on the tire’s sidewall, or located just inside the driver’s side door, said Alstad.

Making sure your tires are properly aligned can help too, he added. If they are out of alignment, it again increases rolling resistance, causing your engine to burn more fuel. Tire rotation can contribute to better wear from your tires, thereby saving you money in the long run.

Under the hood, vehicle owners should ensure the motor is properly tuned regularly, and that air filters are replaced when dirty.