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InCharge Yukon

Building & renovating

Top Tips

  • Save Money
  • Live Better

Build energy efficiency into your new home or renovation

  • Investing in efficiency will put money back in your pocket every month when you save on your electricity costs. Energy efficient buildings typically last longer, and cost less to maintain and operate.
  • The Yukon government has an incentive program for super-insulated new homes.
  • Energy-efficient homes are more comfortable and healthier places to live. Rental properties are more comfortable to live in, are quickly occupied, and report lower tenant turnover rates.
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Retrofit your home’s doors and windows

  • Exterior doors and windows that are in poor condition can add needlessly to your home’s heating bills. If you replace or purchase your windows or doors, look for ENERGY STAR® certification. You can decrease your energy costs by about six percent, saving you about $75 a year. Take advantage of the Yukon government's rebate program for windows and doors.
  • Increase the appearance and resale value of your home, keep out cold winter drafts, reduce the potential for a condensation problem, reduce outside noise, and reduce fading of furniture and carpets due to UV rays.
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Make sure you have enough insulation, especially in your basement and attic

  • An un-insulated basement will account for up to 30 percent of the heat lost from your home.
  • Take advantage of the Yukon government's rebate program for insulation improvements.
  • Insulation will keep your home comfortable and can save you thousands in heating costs.
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Add energy efficient appliances to your renovation list. Look for the ENERGY STAR® certification

  • ENERGY STAR® certified appliances pay for themselves in energy savings in just a few years.
  • They also deliver the highest quality and durability.
  • The Yukon government's offers rebates on various ENERGY STAR® certified appliances.
  • Yukon Energy is partnering with the Yukon government to offer a fridge retirement program.
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Look for energy efficient lighting as you choose fixtures and bulbs

  • LEDs last up to 25 years and use approximately 80 percent less electricity than regular bulbs. Get money back on these products and more with inCharge rebates.
  • There are many ways LEDs make your life better, and many options for your home. Efficient lighting comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, including dimmers that can set the right mood while saving energy.
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Weather proof your home

  • Seal gaps and cracks around windows, vents and exterior doors with caulking and weather stripping.
  • Use foam gaskets under electric switches and outlets.
  • Inspect your door sweeps to see if they need to be replaced.
  • Your power bill will reduce as you keep the heat inside in winter and outside in summer.
  • Take advantage of the Yukon government's rebate program for air sealing.
  • No more cold winter drafts on the home front
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Use a heat pump to heat and cool your home

  • Save as much as 40 percent on electric heating costs in areas where the heat pump is used. Savings can be hundreds of dollars every year.
  • Comfort and convenience are built in. No need to adjust the thermostat—heat pumps provide comfort all day and night, while still using less energy, plus they provide air conditioning in the summer.
  • The Yukon government offers rebates on air source heat pumps.
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Consider energy-use factors when making decisions

  • Hot Tip #1 — Dreaming of a hot tub? It may cost you as much as $100 each month to heat. If you choose to install one, be sure to invest in an energy efficient cover. Fifty percent of heat loss comes from the top of the tub.
  • Hot Tip #2 — Hot water accounts for about 13 percent of a home’s electricity usage. Reduce your water consumption by installing efficient appliances and fixtures such as faucet aerators in kitchen and bathrooms. Don’t underestimate the value of installing high efficient showerheads.
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Quick Tips

Electronics

Turn on your TV’s power-saving mode. Most new TVs have one that can be activated by the user.

Electronics

Purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified TV. ENERGY STAR® TVs reduce the amount of standby power while in off mode and use up to 40 percent less energy when on.

Appliances

Consider getting rid of your second fridge or freezer. An older fridge could be costing you up to $100 in electricity each year.

Appliances

Arrange food to allow for air to flow throughout your fridge.

Appliances

Only buy what you need and will use – think twice about that wine chiller or lava lamp.

Appliances

Clean the lint trap after each dryer load and check the outside vent regularly for maximum efficiency.

Appliances

Fill the dryer before use, but don't overfill as that can lengthen drying time.

Appliances

Wait until there’s a full load before running the dishwasher, and use the air-dry cycle.

Appliances

If you use your dryer, throw a dry towel in with the load to speed up drying time.

Appliances

Hold off on running the washer until you have a full load of laundry.

Appliances

Don’t place your fridge or freezer where the temperature is high, such as a sunny area or close to the stove or dishwasher. It will have to work harder and use more electricity to stay cold.

Appliances

Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the fridge or freezer. Adding hot foods will make your appliance work harder and use more electricity to cool the space.

Appliances

Unplug appliances when you can; i.e. a single-cup coffee maker is like a small hot water tank. When plugged in all the time, it can contribute up to $10 a month to your electricity bill.

Lighting

Not using a light? Switch it off.

Lighting

Use low-energy night lights.

Appliances

Match the stove burner to the size of your pot and use a lid to conserve heat.

Lighting

Install timers and motion sensors on outside lighting and Christmas lights.

Appliances

Always keep your appliances well maintained for highest efficiency.

Lighting

Keep shades, light covers and bulbs clean to get the most out of your lights.

Electronics

Avoid using screen savers on your computers. They cause monitors to consume the same amount of power as when they are running normally.

Lighting

For work that needs good light, install task lighting close to the job.

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