FAQs for Conservation

Which household appliance uses the most electricity?

The largest users of electricity in a household are an air conditioner, clothes dryer, block heater, water heater, freezer, refrigerator, and furnace.

How can I tell what my appliances are using?

A line logger can give you this information. Both Thunder Bay Hydro and the city libraries provide a line logger loan program.

What should I consider when I'm shopping for new appliances?

You shouldn't choose an appliance based only on its purchase price. Also take its "second price tag" into consideration - the cost of the energy needed to run the appliance over its lifetime. Since major appliances last an average of 13 to 21 years, choosing an energy-efficient model can add up to substantial savings over time. Take time to read the EnerGuide label that is now on every major appliance by law. The EnerGuide label tells you how the appliance you're considering compares with other makes and models.

Are baths cheaper than showers?

Short showers can be cheaper. It takes 128 litres of water to fill an average bathtub three-quarters full. But a 7-minute shower requires only 67 litres of hot water (if you use a water-saving shower head, with a flow of 9.5 litres per minute).

What is Green Power?

This is electricity generated using renewable or non-polluting sources.

This page last updated 2012-02-06.