Home Energy Efficiency Tips

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Get More with Less Energy

By making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, you will:

Save Money

Did you know? Homes can see meaningful cuts to energy bills with small energy efficiency investments.

Increase Comfort

Did you know? A well-insulated, air sealed, and ventilated house is a cozier home with less dust, pollen, and mold.

Add Durability

Did you know? A tighter home with good ventilation improves air and moisture control.

Reduce Climate Impact

Did you know? Improving your home’s energy efficiency supports community greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Every year Dufferin County gives out FREE home energy efficiency kits at events throughout the community!

This step-by-step video guide will walk you through the contents of the kit and provide easy-to-follow instructions on implementing energy-saving measures.
Your kit, valued at $30, is designed to help you save money, improve indoor air quality, increase comfort, and reduce climate change causing emissions. Inside your kit, you'll find easy to install items to help you maximize your home's energy efficiency including a furnace whistle, fridge thermometer, LED night light, weather-stripping, and foam gaskets.

Adjust Thermostat

Unlock savings with seasonal adjustments to your thermostat: Summer = 24 – 25°C Winter = 20°C – 22°C

Unplug

Unplug appliances like microwaves or game consoles, can drain energy even when they’re not in use.

Open Curtains

Open curtains on south-facing windows on cold days to naturally heat your home.

Wash Cold

Wash laundry in cold or warm water to save energy and choose extended spin to reduce drying time.

Change Fan Direction

Change the direction of your ceiling fan each season. Winter = Clockwise Summer = Counter Clockwise

Clean Fridge

Regularly clean the coils at the back of your refrigerator and make sure it’s set to the manufacturer recommended temperature setting.

Replace Filters

Replace or clean your furnace, HVAC, and/or A/C every 3 months to reduce energy consumption.

Seal Air Leaks

Seal areas of air leakage around all window and doors, baseboards, electrical outlets, and faceplates with weather-stripping, caulking, or foam gaskets.

Go LED

When lights burn out, make the switch to LEDs. LEDs use 70 to 90 per cent less electricity than traditional bulbs and last up to 3.5 times longer.

Go Low Flow

Cut the demand on your hot water tank by switching to low-flow fixtures for your show and faucets.

Insulate Water Heater

Install a water heater ‘blanket’ to reduce heat loss by up to 40%. *Water heater blankets should not be installed on gas water heaters.

Switch to Smart Bar

Avoid waste energy by using a smart power bar that uses timers or sensors to automatically cut off power to electronics that are not in use.

Renovating? Add Value with Energy Efficiency

Along with beautifying your home, making energy-efficiency upgrades can add value for years to come.

The progress of a home renovation to improve efficiency.

Choose Energy Star

When upgrading appliances like fridges, washing machines, dryers, or dishwashers choose Energy Star Certified products.

Upgrade Insulation

Upgrade insulation in your walls, basements, and attics and opt for an energy efficient window to cut energy waste when heating and cooling.

Consider a Heat Pump

An air-source heat pump is a cost-effective solution that can supply both heating and cooling for your home.

Funding Programs

Greener Homes - Government of Canada

This program, run by Natural Resources Canada. helps homeowners save money, create new jobs across Canada for energy advisors, and fight climate change. Grants available through the initiative include:

Grants from $125 to $5,000

To get a part of your costs back for eligible home retrofits.

Up to $600

As a maximum contribution towards the total costs of your pre and post retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations.

From $5,000 to $40,000

Interest-free loans with a repayment term of 10 years to help you undertake major home retrofits.

Learn more about Greener Homes

Energy Affordability Program - Save on Energy

The Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity to complete energy-saving upgrades tailored to the specific needs of your home, all at no cost.

Depending on your situation, you may receive different energy-saving products and services. Some participants may qualify for a free home energy needs assessment conducted by a trained energy professional that will help identify energy-efficient upgrades available for their homes, such as replacement of inefficient appliances and professionally installed insulation and draft-proofing. These upgrades may be installed during or after an in-home visit.

Other participants may qualify instead for free energy saving kits. These are customized to meet their energy needs and could include energy-saving LED lighting, timers, faucet aerators and/or a clothes drying line.

Learn more about the Energy Affordability Program

Home Efficiency Rebate - Enbridge

The Home Efficiency Rebate can help lower your energy costs and make it more comfortable year-round. Get up to $5,000 in rebates for insulation, air sealing, new windows/doors, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and home energy assessments.

Before you start any renovation work, you must complete a home energy assessment. A registered energy advisor will look at how your home uses energy and tell you which upgrades will help you save – and how they work together. If you complete at least two of the recommended upgrades, you’ll get money back.

Learn more about the Home Efficiency Rebate

Programs to Assist with Rent and Utilities

Residents of Dufferin County who are experiencing difficulty paying rent or utilities may be eligible for financial assistance through one of the following programs.

Discover our programs

Looking to Go the Extra Mile with Renewable Energy?

Explore Net-Metering, which allows you to generate your own electricity from a renewable source (solar, wind, water). Once that electricity is generated, Net Metering allows you to use all or some of your own generated electricity. If you use less electricity than what is generated, the meter will send electricity back to your hydro provider for a credit towards your next bill.

Orangeville Hydro Customers Hydro One Customers

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