Lighting and appliances account for a little more than 10 per cent of the energy used in an average Canadian household.
About 97 per cent of the energy that powers our lights and appliance comes from electricity.
In most households, the big energy gluttons fall under the category “Other Appliances”. These include electronics such as home audio systems, televisions and computers and they are considered gluttons because even when they are turned off, they are still using electricity.
Refrigerators, ranges and clothes dryers are next in line. Dish washers and clothes dryers consume the least energy especially when the energy used to heat the water they use isn’t factored in.
Tips for saving energy and money
Some freezers manufactured before 2000 may contain mercury switches and other appliances manufactured prior to 1979 may contain PCB capacitors. Because of potentially dangerous substances, and because almost all parts of an appliance can be recycled, all appliances should be recycled.
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A refrigerator is one of the biggest electricity guzzlers in your home. Check your refrigerator’s door seal by closing the door on a five dollar bill. If the bill is held tightly in place, the seal is OK. If it moves, the door may need to be adjusted or the seal replaced.
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