How to Use Less Energy & Save Money

Transcription

1 How to Use Less Energy & Save Money Community Energy Learning Series (CELs) February 15 th, 2017 Kieran O Neill MSc. CEA Smart Energy Business Strategist Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

2 CELs Objective To increase the availability of Energy Education within the community using industry facts and trends while aiming to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions through efforts in energy efficiency, conservation and the adoption of new energy technologies.

3 CELs How to Use Less Energy and Save Money Wednesday, February 15 th Understanding Your Own Renewable Energy Opportunity Wednesday, March 1 st Energy Sustainability for Businesses Wednesday, March 15 th SSM as the Alternative Energy Capital of North America Wednesday, March 29 th the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre

4 How to Use Less Energy and Save Money This presentation is your opportunity to learn how to save energy and money in your home or business.

5 Where do I begin? Get an energy audit Talk to your utility service providers Research NRCan online resources Source: Buywise consulting

6 Where do I begin? High hanging opportunities Start by picking low-hanging fruit, and then apply cost savings to bigger projects. Low hanging opportunities

7 Understanding Your Consumption SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY CONSUMPTION Space Cooling 10% Lighting 11% RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION Appliances 14% Space Cooling 2% Lighting 4% Space Heating 46% Auxillary Eqiupment 23% Water heating 17% Space Heating 63% Water Heating 10% Source: Data from Ontario Ministry of Energy (2014)

8 Understanding Your Consumption You can t change what you don t understand

9 Understanding Your Consumption SSM Example: Working Family (Gas forced air & electric water heater) Consistent consumption typical of heating base load & other plugged in loads Dinner prep, lights, TV, computers, washer etc. Domestic hot water (showers taken before bed)

10 Low & No Cost Options Tips: Change consumption habits (shift consumption to low-peak hours) Adopt a conservation culture Use programmable/smart thermostats (~50% of energy is used for space heating) Use less and/or adjust temperature of domestic hot water (~15% of energy is used for hot water heating) Reduce ghost consumption or standby power by unplugging unused devices Benefit: Lower energy costs by as much as 20% or more!

11 Lighting Tips: Use coupons/rebates available through your local PUC Save On Energy Prioritize first on lighting projects with the best payback LEDs are the most efficient and last 8-10 times longer than a typical CFL bulb Go to SSMPUC.com Save ON Energy for more information Benefits: Quick payback Save on energy bills Reduced equipment/ maintenaince costs Did you know? SSM s streetlight conversing project will save approximately $1M per year in electricity.

12 Air Sealing Tips: Easily performed by homeowner Prioritize on drafty locations first Use appropriate sealer for application Benefits: Improved building comfort Save on energy bills Quick payback Air leakage opportunities: Attic hatch Light fixtures Exterior doors Foundation sill plate Windows Attached garage doors Receptacles Ductwork

13 Appliances Tips: Use available utility resources to understand your appliances consumption Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified appliances Check out the Save On Energy and Home Reno programs for available incentives Benefits: Save on energy bills Increased reliability Better for the environment Potential appliance upgrades: Air conditioner Dishwasher Dryer Furnace Hot Water Heater Refrigerator

14 Insulating and Ventilation Tips: Refer to NRCan for recommended insulation for SSM Climate Zone B Most SSM attics and basements often require more insulation There are up to $5000 of rebates available through the Union Gas Home Reno program There are also incentives through the PUC Save on Energy program for HVAC Benefits: Increased building comfort Improved indoor air quality Save on energy bills Increased home value A balanced ventilation system using a HRV or ERV Exterior insulation Attic insulation to R-50

15 Water Heating Tips: Reduce use and/or turn down the temperature setting on your DHW tank Install low flow faucets Insulate hot water pipes Insulate your DHW tank Use cold water to wash your hands If you have an electric water heater, shower before you go to bed to avoid peak hours in morning Benefit: Save on energy bills

16 Heating & Cooling Tips: Reduce your heating and cooling needs Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat Use the sun to your advantage in the winter Open windows in the summer Upgrade your air conditioner or furnace to a highefficiency Energy Star Size your furnace/air conditioner to your homes needs Hire a professional to install Benefits: Improved building comfort Increased home value Save of energy bills

17 Windows Tips: Invest in an Energy Star window rated for Climate Zone B Insulate around windows before applying trim Seal windows to reduce drafts Use curtains or blinds to reduce convection heat loss Benefits: Improved comfort of building or home Increase in home value Save on energy bills

18 Alternative Energy Technologies Solar Photovoltaics Wind turbine Geothermal High efficiency heat pumps Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Helpful tip: Only after you have reduced your energy consumption by all other reasonable means should you invest in Alterative Energy Technologies.

19 Conclusions: In order of priority: 1. Understand your consumption 2. Focus on Low Hanging Fruit such as the low and no-cost options 3. Retrofit the lighting 4. Ensure the building has a tight envelope 5. Invest in appliances that are energy efficiency 6. Investigate and upgrade insulation and ventilation where necessary 7. Understand and limit your hot water consumption 8. Understand and limit your heating and cooling needs/equipment 9. Invest in alternative energy technologies

20 Helpful Resources

21 Thank You! Kieran O Neill Smart Energy Business Strategist T ext F koneill@ssmic.com