Tips and tools
Tips for energy saving
Get help making your home more energy efficient.
Cooling your home
Learn moreOutdoors
Learn moreHeating your home
Learn moreIn the kitchen
Learn morePhantom power
Learn moreAround the house
Learn moreWater heaters
Learn moreLighting
Learn moreLaundry Room
Learn morePoolside
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Stories and features on what’s happening at Hydro Ottawa, in our industry and in our community.
Learn moreCooling tips
![icon with a home and slowflake](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tou_2.png)
Pre-cool your home before an On-Peak period starts
Give your home a head start on hot days; pre-cooling before it gets too hot means you'll use less air conditioning during On-Peak rate period.
![icon of a thermostat](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-3_adjust-thermostat.png)
Adjust your thermostat
Set your thermostat 2 to 3 degrees higher when you're at work or away for the day.
![icon of an air conditioner unit](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/cooling_6.png)
Clean your outdoor air conditioning unit
Before the summer arrives, make sure you clean your outdoor air conditioning unit. Dust, debris, and pollen accumulate in the unit throughout the year.
![icon of a vent next to a dresser](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/cooling_1.png)
Keep air vents clear of obstructions
Blocked air vents significantly reduce the ease of airflow in your home. Making sure your vents are clear of obstructions can increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by up to 40%.
![icon of a lamp](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/cooling_4.png)
Avoid placing lamps, TVs or other electronics near your thermostat
Your thermostat senses heat from electronic appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
![icon of a fan](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_summer_6.png)
Direction matters!
Run your ceiling fans to force air down to help circulate a cool breeze in your home.
Outdoors tips
![icon of s solar power LED](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-28_led-outdoor-lights.png)
Consider solar-powered LEDs outdoors
Install solar-powered LED garden landscape lights to increase outdoor visibility.
![icon of trees](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-31_plant-trees.png)
Plant some trees
Plant leafy trees on the south side of your home and evergreen trees on the north side – for shade in the summer and wind protection in the winter.
![icon of a clothing item on a clothesline](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/HOL-T750.png)
Use an outdoor clothesline
Hanging clothes to dry saves energy, extends the life of your clothes, and reduces heat gain in your home.
Kitchen tips
![](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-10_fridge-temp.png)
Adjust your fridge temperature settings
An ideal fridge temperature is 1°C to 4°C.
![icon of a fridge](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-11_freezer-temp.png)
Adjust your freezer temperature settings
An ideal freezer temperature is –15°C to –18°C.
![icon of a freezer](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-14_clean-fridge-coils.png)
Vacuum the coils at the back of your fridge
Regular vacuuming of the coils not only helps your fridge run efficiently, but it can also prevent breakdowns and service calls.
![icon of the back of a fridge exposing coils](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-15_fridge-clearance.png)
Allow minimum clearance around your fridge
Make sure there is enough air space between your fridge coils and the wall. This will allow your refrigerator to operate at maximum efficiency.
![icon of a option wheel on dishwasher](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-25_learn-dishwasher.png)
Investigate your dishwasher’s cycle options
About 85% of your dishwasher’s electricity use goes towards heating the water. Try using the economy cycle which uses lower temperatures and less water.
![icon of over light](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-20_use-oven-lights.png)
Use oven lights to check on food
Turn on the oven light to look through the glass window instead of opening the oven door to check food.
Heating tips
![icon of house with heat streams](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tou_3.png)
Pre-heat your home before an On-Peak period starts
Give your home a head start on cool days; pre-heating before it gets too cold means you'll use less electricity during On-Peak rate periods.
![icon of thermostat](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_winter_5.png)
Turn your thermostat down at night
Turning the thermostat down 2 to 3 degrees before going to bed can reduce heating costs.
![icon celing fan](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_summer_6.png)
Set your ceiling fan to keep warm
Run your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to force air up.
![icon of fireplace](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_winter_3.png)
Close your fireplace flue
Fireplaces and wood stoves are notorious for heat loss. Many people forget to close the flue after a fire dies out.
![icon of furnace filter](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/cooling_5.png)
Clean or replace your furnace filter
Check your filter regularly to make sure your furnace is running at maximum efficiency.
![icon of drawers next to a vent](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/cooling_1.png)
Keep air vents clear of obstructions
Blocked air vents significantly reduce the ease of airflow in your home. Making sure your vents are clear of obstructions can increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by up to 40%.
Phantom Power tips
![icon of a powerbar](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/HOL-T730.png)
Create a “charging centre"
Use a power bar with a timer to charge mobile devices at night. Set the timer to turn off during the day. Did you know that most chargers continue to draw power even after the mobile device has been unplugged?
![icon of PVR with cat sleeping on it](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/alwayson_2.png)
Unplug your infrequently-used PVR
A PVR set-top box uses electricity even when it's turned off - it's called 'phantom' power.
![icon of stereo](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/alwayson_3.png)
Unplug your stereo
Stereos and home theatre systems can use a lot of electricity; unplug them when they're not in use.
![icon of timer](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/alwayson_4.png)
Don't want to keep unplugging? Use a power bar with a timer!
Using power bars with timers are an easy way to save you from the hassle of unplugging multiple devices.
![icon of powerbar](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/alwayson_5.png)
Use an advanced power bar and save electricity automatically!
Electronic devices left plugged in, even when turned off, still draw power. It’s called 'Phantom' power, and it can be combated with advanced power bars.
Around The House tips
![icon of insulation roll](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/heating_7.png)
Install better insulation and weatherstripping
By investing in insulation and weatherstripping, you can save significantly on your heating and cooling costs year round.
![icon of roof](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-29_insulate-attic.png)
Insulate your attic
Insulate or top up existing insulation – it could reduce your annual energy costs by 20% to 60%.
![icon of energy star TV](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-1_energy-star-with-av.png)
Look for ENERGY STAR when shopping for audio and video equipment
ENERGY STAR certified equipment is up to 50% more efficient than conventional models.
Water Heaters tips
![icon of water tank](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-32_wrap-hot-water-tank.png)
Wrap your hot water tank
Is your electric hot water tank in a cool or unheated area? Wrap it up in an insulating blanket.
![icon of tankless water heater](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-34_tankless-water-heater.png)
Consider a tankless water heater
Consider replacing an old electric hot water heater with a new tankless water heater that only heats water on demand.
Lighting tips
![icon of lightbulb](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_allyear_1.png)
Switch to LED lights
Need to replace a light bulb at home? Install an LED bulb. Most last at least 25,000 hours and are up to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs.
![icon of sparkles](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/CleanLightBulb.png)
Dust bulbs regularly
A clean bulb is brighter.
![icon of a dimmer switch](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-35_dimmer-switch.png)
Install a dimmer switch
Turning down the light level can save electricity and extend the life of light bulbs.
![icon of a lamp](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-37_task-light.png)
Consider task lighting
Why light an entire room? Light only what you need.
![icon of lightbulb](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/HOL-T740.png)
Choose the right light temperature
Selecting the right colour temperature for a light bulb can make a big difference. A warm light is often used in bedrooms and living rooms. Bright whites are best for work areas and surfaces.
![icon of an off switch](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tou_7.png)
Don't forget to turn off the lights!
If you don’t need it, turn it off.
Laundry tips
![icon of a clock](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/Timeofuse_clock.png)
Do your laundry during Off-Peak hours
Laundry loads can add up; you can save on electricity costs by running your washer and dryer during Off-Peak hours.
![icon of a washing machine](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/WashingMachine.png)
Set the right water level
Select the appropriate water level for your load of laundry.
![icon of washing machine with snowflake](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/wholehouse_winter_9.png)
Wash with cold water
Washing your clothes in cold water can reduce electricity use by as much as 90% per load.
![icon of laundry basket full of linens](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-5_full-dryer-loads.png)
Operate your dryer with full loads
Dry full loads of laundry whenever possible, but be careful not to overfill your dryer.
![icon of washing machine](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/tip-9_front-load-washer.png)
Consider an ENERGY STAR washer
When purchasing a new washer, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol. ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use about 25% less energy and 40% less water than regular washers.
Pool side tips
![icon of lightbulb](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_1.png)
Use LED underwater pool and spa lights
LED underwater pool and spa lights are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent and halogen pool lights.
![icon of speed guage](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_2.png)
Use a variable-speed pool pump
A well-designed variable-speed pump can reduce the energy costs of running a swimming pool by up to 90%.
![icon of pool filter](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_3.png)
Clean your pool filters regularly
To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, clean your filters as part of a regular pool maintenance program.
![icon of flow going through a gear](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_4.png)
Keep intake grates clear of debris
Clogged drains make your pool pump work harder. Make sure you keep your drains clean and clear as part of a regular pool maintenance program.
![icon of pool cover](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_5.png)
Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover
Uncovered pools can lose 30% of their heat, over 10,000 litres of water and expensive chemicals monthly, just through evaporation.
![icon of waterdrop with checkbox](https://static.hydroottawa.com/documents/conservation/tip-icons/pool_6.png)
Keep your pool chemicals properly balanced
Properly balanced pool chemicals can help ensure maximum lifespan of your pool filters and better long term pool pump performance.