Chat window
- Move between items in the chat window
- Tab key
- Shift + tab key
- Do action
- Enter key
Important Notice The Canada Greener Homes Grant, funded by Natural Resources Canada and administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia, closed to new applicants in Nova Scotia on February 5, 2024. Existing participants may still be eligible for rebates of up to $5,100 but must complete their final Home Energy Assessment by November 30, 2025.
5 Resolutions for Energy Efficient Habits
Efficiency Nova Scotia
Published 19 Jan 2024
5 min read
Now's the perfect time to adopt habits that prioritize energy conservation and a more sustainable lifestyle. By making small but impactful changes in our daily routines, we can significantly reduce energy consumption and contribute to a greener future. Join us as we explore five resolutions for energy efficient habits that anyone can adopt to make a positive impact in conserving energy and protecting the environment.
One of the simplest and most effective resolutions for energy efficiency is harnessing natural light. Make it a habit to open curtains and blinds during the day to maximize natural light in your home. This reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving both energy and money. Additionally, consider rearranging furniture to allow light to reach darker corners of your space, minimizing the need for additional lamps or fixtures.
A common energy-wasting habit is leaving electronics and appliances plugged in even when they're not in use. This year, resolve to unplug devices such as chargers, laptops, and gaming consoles when they're not actively being used. These “energy vampires” consume energy in standby mode, known as phantom energy. Using smart power strips can make this habit more convenient and help prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Another impactful resolution is to gradually replace old and inefficient appliances with energy efficient models. When it’s time to upgrade your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, or other major home appliances, opt for those with high energy-efficiency ratings (look for the ENERGY STAR® label). These appliances use less electricity to perform the same tasks, resulting in substantial long-term energy savings while reducing your carbon footprint.
Heating and cooling our homes account for a significant portion of our energy consumption. Taking control of your home’s temperature is a great resolution for energy efficiency. Lowering your thermostat during the winter and raising it during the summer by just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference in energy usage. Additionally, consider using programmable thermostats or a smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you're away from home or sleeping, optimizing energy efficiency.
Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious for their high energy consumption. As a resolution, commit to replacing all your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LEDs which use up to 80% less energy and have a lifespan of up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, the long-term energy savings and reduced environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment. This new year, let’s prioritize energy efficiency and commit to adopting habits that reduce our energy consumption. By embracing natural lighting, being mindful of phantom energy usage, upgrading to energy efficient appliances, practicing temperature control and using efficient lighting solutions, we can make a significant impact on our energy footprint. Every small step counts, and together, we can create a brighter and cleaner future for generations to come. Here’s to an energized new year focused on sustainable habits!
Share this post:
09 Jul 2025
Water heaters are among the highest energy consumers in a household. Choosing a better water heater is one of the easiest and most impactful steps a homeowner can take to save energy, reduce emissions, and lower their utility bill.
07 Jul 2025
If your water heater is on its last legs—or you’re just looking for a better way to heat water without breaking the bank—consider an efficient and cost-effective heat pump water heater.
30 Jun 2025
A home battery system is a device that stores electricity for use in your home. It’s a lot like any rechargeable battery you already know and use, except it’s much bigger, it can store much more power and it’s wired into your home’s electrical setup.
1-877-999-6035 info@efficiencyns.ca
230 Brownlow Ave., Suite 300 Dartmouth, NS, B3B 0G5
© Efficiency Nova Scotia 2025
Privacy Policy