Top 10 Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners in Southern Manitoba | Voltage Ventures
Have you ever wondered how much money you might be wasting on energy?
Or how your energy consumption impacts the environment?
With energy prices on the rise in southern Manitoba, it’s more important than ever to find ways to reduce electricity costs and improve energy efficiency.
The good news? A few simple changes can make a big difference!
Here are 10 energy-saving tips to help lower your utility bills while making a positive impact on the environment.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save energy. Here are a few examples:
LEDs last up to 50,000 hours while regular bulbs only last about 2000 hours.
80% of the energy in LEDs is converted to light, meanwhile, with traditional bulbs 20% is converted to light.
LEDs would be great in homes and offices where the lights stay on for long hours.
Upgrading to LED lights is a quick and affordable way to start saving energy in your household.
Install Smart Thermostats
You’re sitting on the couch, you’re cold but the thermostat is so close yet so far.
Now imagine if you could adjust the settings effortlessly on your phone.
Not only are you saving your own energy with a smart thermostat but also the energy consumption of your household.
The Smart thermostat will:
Automatically adjust temperature based on your routine
Save 10-15% on heating and cooling costs
Provide energy to help you track usage
There are many different types of Smart thermostats with unique features, so to make sure you get one tailored to your preference, check out this list of different thermostats.
Upgrade your thermostat so you can control your household temperature from your phone and save costs!
Unplug Unused Electronics
You just turned off your TV, so you assume it's not using any power anymore.
Unfortunately, the TV is still using power.
Some devices still use energy even when they're turned off, a phenomenon known as phantom power, which can shockingly account for up to 10% of your electricity bill.
A simple solution would be to use a power bar
That way, you can easily switch off multiple devices at once.
A few common electronics that absorb your electricity include:
Gaming consoles
Cellphone chargers
Computers
Yes, even your lovely coffee machine.
Another thing to consider is getting a whole-house surge protector to prevent unnecessary energy waste.
Use Motion Sensor or Dimmable Lighting
Motion sensor lights conserve energy by turning on the lights when movement is detected.
Dimmable lights allow for better control over brightness and energy use.
The benefits:
Save between 15% to 30% on energy costs.
Better security by scaring away unwanted visitors
Customizable brightness levels for comfort and efficiency
At Voltage Ventures, we recommend getting an expert to help you with professional installations. Contact us today!
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Upgrading your electrical panel can be a relief on your energy bill.
By getting an upgrade, you increase the electrical capacity your home can use, which means you’ll have proper power distribution, preventing overloads and tripped breakers.
With an upgraded electrical panel, you’ll be able to:
Support energy-efficient upgrades like solar panels, motion sensor lights, and smart thermostats.
Reduce strain on your electrical system, improving efficiency
Here are a few signs you might need to upgrade your electrical panel:
Frequent breaker trips
Flickering lights
Outdated panel (older than 20 years)
Schedule a consultation with Voltage Ventures to determine if an upgrade is right for you!
Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choosing energy-efficient appliances with the ENERGY STAR label over standard appliances can decrease energy consumption by as much as 20-50%.
A few examples of appliances:
ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 15% less energy.
Dishwashers and washing machines use less water and electricity.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use two-thirds less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Take a look into a full list of ENERGY STAR appliances and a guide to choosing the right appliance so you can start saving.
Install Ceiling Fans for Better Air Circulation
With the extreme heat we experience in southern Manitoba, getting a ceiling fan is a smart investment.
In the summer, it reduces AC reliance, cooling your home by up to 8°C while cutting energy use by 40%.
Even in winter, your ceiling fan can save you 15% on heating costs by setting your ceiling fan clockwise; it’ll pull warm air down.
This keeps a steady temperature in your home and reduces energy usage.
Need a ceiling fan installed? Contact us today!
Seal and Insulate Electrical Outlets
Have you been feeling a slight breeze around your electrical outlets?
It could be the intense wind in southern Manitoba seeping into your home.
Poor insulation and improper sealing around your electrical outlets can be major energy-sucking culprits, which leads to uncomfortable icy gusts and an increase in energy consumption.
Luckily, there are simple DIY solutions to getting rid of that chilly breeze.
A few DIY solutions are:
Insulating gaskets
Caulk, or spray foam insulation
You can DIY but, remember, always turn off the power before doing any electrical work.
Don’t feel comfortable working on your electrical outlets? Schedule an inspection with our electricians.
Consider Solar Power or Alternative Energy
Now, more than ever, you see residential building with solar panels on their roofs.
Solar panels are a great way to save energy as they reduce the dependence on grid power by converting sunlight into energy.
Not only do they save a lot of energy, they also:
Greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Pay off in less than 10 years
Ideal for Manitoba, where there is a lot of sun
Qualifies for government rebates and incentives
With sunlight all year-round, now is the perfect time to invest in solar energy.
Schedule an Energy Audit with a Licensed Electrician
Knowing where your electricity is going is a great start to saving energy.
An energy audit will give you a full breakdown of your home’s energy use, showing where energy is being wasted or used inefficiently.
The Audit covers:
Appliance power usage
Circuit analysis
Energy waste detection
With expert recommendation, you can reduce your carbon footprint and lower electricity bills.
Start Saving Today
By putting these energy-saving tips into practice, you’ll cut costs, reduce environmental impact, and improve home efficiency.
Ready to make a change?
Contact Voltage Ventures for a consultation and start saving today!
Why Choose Voltage Ventures?
Let’s work together to make your home more energy-efficient!
