What is Your Carbon Footprint?

Our daily activities such as driving back and forth to work, using heat, and the consumption of food and goods causes many polluting gases to be emitted into the atmosphere. For simplicity, these gases are usually referred to in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide produced.

Your carbon footprint is the measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide you produce through these normal daily activities. These harmful emissions contribute to climate change. People concerned about the environment and global warming can try to reduce their carbon footprint by increasing their energy efficiency.

A great way to start is to take stock and calculate your current carbon footprint. Once you know the size of your carbon footprint, you can begin thinking about strategies to reduce or offset it. Just Energy offers a free carbon calculator for individuals, households or companies. Take a look here to find out your carbon footprint: Carbon Calculator.

In our next post, we'll take a look at the top 3 ways to change your habits and reduce your carbon footprint.

Want to ramp up your home's efficiency?

Now that the weather in Ontario is getting cooler, and the season is rapidly transforming, it's time to take a look at your home's energy efficiency. Becoming informed about your home's basic heating and cooling components can help you understand where and how you can improve your home. Little things add up to big things when it comes to energy conservation.

If you want to ramp up your home’s efficiency and save money, try these energy conserving tips: 

1. Make sure all your home equipment is functioning at maximum efficiency. Even 10-year-old systems can be 20% to 40% less efficient than new models. 

2. Always opt for ENERGY STAR qualified units when replacing home equipment.

3. If you are replacing windows, opt for triple-glazed with low-E coatings and argon between the panes. 

4. Cut heating costs up to 5% by changing furnace filters every one to three months.

5. Switching from a standard hot water system to a tankless type can slash $150 or more from annual costs for a family of four.

6. A heat recovery ventilator or other ventilation system is an essential investment for humidity control and healthy indoor air.

7. When using a dishwasher, Ontario Power Authority suggests air drying your dishes, using the air-dry setting (or energy saver) option, or just leaving the door open.

8. Check the seal on your refrigerator or freezer. Close the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily, replace the gasket. 

9. To maximize the life of CFL bulbs, leave them on at least 15 minutes, but then turn them off when you leave the room.