Saving Hydro

Both of our girls are teenagers and from a generation that understands more about recycling and being "green" than my generation. However I recently impressed both of them with my idea to save money. I must admit I was spurred on by a BC Hydro campaign to give me $75 back if I saved 10% on my hydro bill over a year. So what did I do?

Well I simply figured out that for about 12 hours a day Monday through Friday we are away from the house. So that means we hardly need any hydro on during that time. I went to the fuse box and marked the breakers that must be left on, Fridge/Freezer, Alarm System, CCTV system etc. I then showed everyone how to turn them off and now  the last one out of the house each morning to turns off all of the breakers that are not marked.

So now all those things that are plugged in and were using hydro even though they didn't need it get no hydro when we aren't here! (this is things like, the microwave, toaster oven, TV, ATV, kettle and the list goes on)

Our house is heated by a gas fireplace so we don't have to worry about heat and the house freezing in the winter, but our hot water heater which is electric is no longer heating water when we are not here! We have not found any difference in the heat of the hot water when we get home and start using it right away which was one of our concerns.

So far this new approach to hydro is working out great and I can't wait to get our hydro bill at the end of May to see how much of a difference it has made, I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

As an addition to doing this I have also installed a device I bought from The Source that displays in real time the consumption of hydro in the house. It shows it in dollar and cents or KW/hr whichever you prefer. So now we can see exactly how much we are saving by turning off those lights!