Quotables:

• Demand for power is highest during the cold and dark winter months. You could save up to $200 a year on your power bills with 4 simple tips.
• Start saving power by unplugging electronics when not in use, installing a timer on your car’s block heater, opening your blinds and curtains during the day, and adding extra insulation to your attic.
• Other simple tips to save money on your bills include only running full loads of laundry, setting your ceiling fan to turn clockwise during the winter, avoiding opening the oven door while cooking and baking, utilizing smaller appliances and using your oven’s “self-cleaning” mode right after cooking.

Demand for power is highest during the cold and dark winter months. Start saving power this winter with these 4 simple tips and you could save $200 a year on your power bills.

1. Unplug electronics when not in use
   • Chilly days mean more time spent indoors watching movies and playing video games. When you’re done using your electronics, be sure to unplug them. Leaving electronics plugged in can account for 10% of your average annual power use. Use a power bar to manage your entertainment, computer and gaming power-use, or simply unplug electronics not in use and save up to $50 a year. 
2. Install a block heater timer
   • Install a timer on your vehicle’s block heater– when the temperature drops below -15 degrees Celsius, set it to begin 4 hours before you plan to use your vehicle to save up to $30 a year. This small investment can lead to significant money savings over time.
3. Open your blinds
   • Open your blinds and curtains! Sunlight is free and can save you an average of over $20 annually. Letting in natural light reduces the need to spend money on lighting during the day. Natural light can also boost your mood and make your home feel more welcoming. It's an easy way to improve your comfort and save money.
4. Install extra insulation
   • Add more insulation to your attic and save $100 a year. Good insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and helps your furnace’s electric fan run less. A simple insulation top-up can be done by blowing in loose-fill insulation or by laying batts on top of what’s already there. Consider consulting a professional, especially if you see moisture, poor ventilation, or think you need spray foam. Upgrading attic insulation can be a quick project with long-term savings. Aim for about R-50 insulation.

More Tips to Save Money

Check out 5 more easy tips to save this winter:

1. Large appliances, including washing machines and dryers, account for about 35% of the power use in your home. Try to run full loads when doing laundry, don’t over-dry your clothes (or hang them instead), and clean your dryer lint trap after each use.
2. Use your ceiling fan to help keep you warm in the winter by setting it to turn clockwise to move the warm air that collects near your ceiling down into the rest of the room. This simple adjustment can lead to significant money savings by reducing the need to spend money on additional heating.
3. Avoid opening the oven door while cooking or baking. Even a quick peek will release enough hot air to lower the oven’s temperature, meaning more power is used to get the temperature back up. This helps in managing energy costs effectively.
4. Use your smaller appliances as they can often get the same job done in less time while using less power. For example, when it comes to reheating leftovers, your microwave is about 50% more efficient than your oven.
5. Use the “self-cleaning” feature on your oven right after you cook. This way, the oven is already at a high temperature, and you do not have to use as much power to reach the extreme heat needed for the cleaning cycle.

Energy Efficiency Programs and Tools — Start Saving Today!

Learn more about available programs and tools to help reduce your power use in your everyday activities:

• Energy Efficiency Program: Save up to $230 a year on your utility bills and make your home more energy efficient with the FREE Energy Assistance Program available for lower-income customers.
• Online Energy Assessment for Homes Tool: Uncover ways to reduce your energy use and save on your bill with our Online Energy Assessment for Homes tool.
• Power Use Calculator: Curious about the monthly power cost of your home appliances? Find out today with our Power Use Calculator.
• Products and Services Newsletter: Sign up for our Products and Services newsletter at saskpower.com/newsletters. You can learn more about our new and existing programs, while staying up to date on our latest products and services that can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
• Payment Plans: If you’re having trouble keeping up with your power bill payments, we have options to help you.
• Money Saving Videos: Watch our quick minute videos for more power saving tips throughout the year.

Learn more:

• saskpower.com/efficiency