Energy Efficiency

Before any of these renewable energy technologies can be installed and used effectively, there are major concerns of energy efficiency that need to be addressed first.

First and foremost the amount of electricity that is needed in the home must be lowered. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. The biggest impact comes with energy consumption awareness and behavioural change. Washing dishes by hand instead of with an electric dishwasher, or hanging clothes to dry on a line instead of an electric dryer are two big examples. Small examples are turning off lights when leaving a room, and using efficient light bulbs.

Always choose the most energy efficient appliance. Energy Star devices are certified as extremely efficient for that type of device. For example Energy Star refrigerators can be 20-30% more efficient than a similar fridge. New refrigerators definitely are a worthwhile investment over the old energy hogs

For a very comprehensive website please look at All Things Efficient a Conservation Council of New Brunswick resource to make efficiency easy.