Save Energy Save Money
What's good for the planet can be good for your wallet, too. Build an energy-efficient home by following our top 10 easy tips to save energy, and learn everything you need to know about ENERGY STAR® and other energy-saving products.
Skill
Beginner
Time
One Day
Cost
Less Than $500
What is ENERGY STAR®?
The ENERGY STAR® label is an easy way for you to identify what products are energy efficient.
It means you don't need to wade through complicated specifications to find the best product; the government has done the hard work for you. Appliances, building products, lighting, electronics, heating and cooling equipment, and other products with the blue ENERGY STAR® logo have met strict energy efficiency criteria to qualify for the designation.
It's your guarantee that the product you're buying saves energy, saves money, and helps protect the environment. The ENERGY STAR® label is also often used by manufacturers, utilities, and the government to grant rebates and tax credits.
Save Water
The WaterSense label on consumer products means they're high-performing, water-efficient devices. Buy a WaterSense showerhead and conserve your community's water supply while saving money on your water bill.
Heat & Cool Efficiently
Get a programmable thermostat — it will automatically reduce your heating or cooling when you need it least. The more you know about how much you use, the more you learn how to use less.
Keep the Cool Out
Mount insulated curtains on your windows. Not only will you save money on heating costs during those cold Canadian winters, you can also beautify your space with insulated curtains in a variety of colours and styles.
Recycle
Recycle your cans of paint, compact fluorescent light bulbs, single-use dry cell batteries, and rechargeable batteries at your local Lowe's store.LOWE'S RECYCLING
Replace
The average Canadian home has 41 light bulbs and 10 percent of household energy costs come from lighting. Changing your old incandescent, halogen and CFL bulbs to LEDs can save you up to 85 percent of the energy you use on lighting. You'll be replacing them less frequently, too: an LED bulb may not need to be replaced for up to 20 years!
Change Filters
Heating and cooling filters trap dust and dirt so they don't reduce a blower's air flow. But if your filter is clogged, the system will have to use more energy to function. Replace your filter regularly to keep your heating and cooling systems running well.
Install Weather Stripping
Keep hot air and cold air right where you want them. Whether it's winter or summer, you don't want to waste energy — and money — keeping your HVAC systems running. Seal your windows and doors tight with weather stripping.
Use Foam
Foam insulation forms a seamless barrier along roofs, walls, and around corners, flawlessly sealing gaps and resisting moisture and vapour. Reduce unwanted airflow and temperature change with proper insulation.
Prevent Leaky Faucets
A dripping faucet can waste as much as 833 litres of water per month. Simply installing an aerating-flow faucet in your kitchen or bathroom will substantially reduce water consumption.
Look for Low VOC Paint
Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are toxic. Use low VOC paints that contain low or no VOCs and a non-harmful drying agent instead. They use water as a carrier instead of petroleum-based solvents.
How Much Can You Save?
Want to lower your electric bill? Consider replacing an old appliance with an ENERGY STAR® dishwasher, laundry machine, or furnace.
What a dishwasher will save you each year compared to a model built before 1994.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® washer will save you each year compared to a regular new washer.
What an ENERGY STAR® dryer will save you each year compared to a regular new dryer.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® furnace will save you per year versus a new standard furnace.
9000
700
63 db
Permanent,self-cleaning HEPA Filter
9000
700
63 db
Permanent,self-cleaning HEPA Filter
Power Unit
What a dishwasher will save you each year compared to a model built before 1994.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® washer will save you each year compared to a regular new washer.
What an ENERGY STAR® dryer will save you each year compared to a regular new dryer.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® furnace will save you per year versus a new standard furnace.
$40
★
Power Unit
$40
$50
$60
$94
What a dishwasher will save you each year compared to a model built before 1994.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® washer will save you each year compared to a regular new washer.
What an ENERGY STAR® dryer will save you each year compared to a regular new dryer.
Amount an ENERGY STAR® furnace will save you per year versus a new standard furnace.
How To Terms
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.
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