The ENERGY STAR® symbol identifies models that ensure they are among the most energy efficient in their class and do not compromise performance. The energy used by appliances like refrigerators and clothes washers can make up to a quarter of your electricity bill. Consider switching to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, which are up to 50 percent more efficient than conventional models. They can pay for themselves in just a few years. The Yukon government offers rebates on a number of ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. Yukon Energy Corporation is partnering with the government on a fridge retirement program that could save you alot of money.

ENERGY STAR® certified electronics reduce standby power and are more efficient than standard electronics. If every home in Canada switched to ENERGY STAR® certified electronics to reduce standby power consumption to one watt or less, Canada would save 3.9 terawatt-hours. That is equivalent to the electrical consumption of all households in Manitoba and Prince Edward Island combined.

• Water heating constitutes up to 90 percent of the energy consumption of washing machines, and hot water is one of the biggest electricity users in our homes. It costs Yukoners on average $250/year. Switching to cold water washes can result in big savings!
• You’ll keep your favourite clothes looking their best for longer.

• It costs close to $85 to run your dryer each year.
• Clothes hung outside to dry smell fantastic. If they’re too stiff after hanging on a clothesline, five minutes in the dryer on “air dry” should loosen things up.

• Clean the coils behind the fridge regularly and keep them dust free.
• Regularly defrost the freezer; frost build-up of more than half a centimetre will decrease energy efficiency.
• Make sure door seals are intact. To check, place a piece of paper between the door and the fridge. If the paper does not stay in place when the door is closed, the gasket may need to be adjusted or replaced. If the seal isn’t working properly, you could be leaking up to 15 percent of the cooled air it produces.
• Ensure the compressor is working properly. If your compressor is struggling to cool your freezer, it’s using more energy than necessary.

• The ideal temperature is between +1 and +4°C for the fridge and between -15 and -20°C for the freezer. If your appliance is outside of this range, adjust the temperature dial, then recheck the following day.
• Your fridge or freezer work more efficiently when they are full, as the cold items help keep others items cold. If your fridge or freezer isn't full, fill plastic jugs of water and place them inside to help maintain a low temperature.

• Electronics such as DVD players, televisions, alarm clocks, and cell phone chargers use power even when they are not being used. This can account for up to 10 percent of all electricity consumed in your home.
• A smart power bar offers a convenient one-switch shut down to ensure all your unused electronics are unplugged at once. It's handy for:
  • A group of electronics frequently not turned off even when not in use (TV, set-top boxes, game consoles, stereo, speakers) *Just remember to plug your PVR into the always-on outlet to make sure your favourite TV shows still get recorded
  • Charging stations where you can plug all of your chargers into a single power bar
  • A group of electronics not frequently used (second TV, DVD player, audio system)
  • Your home office equipment (computer, monitor, speakers, printer, scanner, etc.)