Whole Home Efficiency

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Water efficiency

ENERGY STAR® full-size front-loading washing machine

If you need to do a lot of laundry, doing fewer loads in a full-sized machine will be more efficient than doing more loads in a compact. An energy efficient front-loading washer sized for your needs is likely to be one of the most efficient electric washing machines you can buy. Some models are stackable with a dryer.
Product Cost: $500–$5500. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: A reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class.

ENERGY STAR compact front-loading washing machine

If you only have small loads of laundry, a compact is an efficient choice. An energy efficient front loading washer sized for your needs is likely to be one of the most efficient electric washing machines you can buy. Some models are stackable with a dryer.
Product Cost: $800–$3000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: A reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class.

ENERGY STAR top-loading washing machine

Top loading machines are not as energy efficient as front loaders, but ENERGY STAR top loaders will be the most efficient models in their class.
Product Cost: $400–$3000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: A reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class.

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Low-flow showerheads

There are many different types of low-flow showerheads now available.  They can be purchased at most hardware or plumbing supply stores.  ENERGY STAR qualified showerheads are also available.

Low-flow showerheads

There are many types of low-flow showerheads now available.  They can be purchased at most hardware or plumbing supply stores.  Energy Star® qualified showerheads are also available.
Product Cost: $15–$30 for standard models; prices are higher for designer and handheld massage types.  There is a substantial difference in the quality of spray for different showerheads and faucets, even among models with the same flow rate.

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High-efficiency toilets

About 65% of our total indoor home water use occurs in our bathrooms, and toilets are the single greatest water users.  Note that in B.C. low-flow plumbing fixtures such as six-litre toilets and fittings are mandatory in new construction as of September 5, 2008.

Dual-flush toilets

Dual-flush toilets have two flush volumes – a high flush volume for solid waste and a low-volume flush for liquid wastes (and paper).  Dual flush toilets actually use less water per flush than low-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets take water-efficiency one step further by using 6 litres of water to flush solid waste but only 3 litres to flush liquid waste.
Product Cost: Dual flush toilets start at about $175 and are a little higher priced than low-flush toilets.

Low-flush toilets

A low flush or low flow toilet is a flush toilet that uses significantly less water then a normal flush toilet, using as little as 6 litres (1.6 gallons) per flush.
Product Cost: Low flush toilets start at around $100.

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Drain Water Heat Recovery system

Heat recovery water pre-heaters recover valuable heat that would otherwise go down the shower drain and use it to preheat incoming cold water.

Drain Water Heat Recovery system

DWHR units pay for themselves in the 2 to 6 years range in most Canadian homes, don't require maintenance and have no moving parts.  You can get $75 from the EcoEnergy Retrofit Federal Program if you install a DWHR (Drain Water Heat Recovery).
Product Cost: The total installed cost is typically $600 to $1,000 and you save 10% to 30% of your water heating cost depending on the unit you choose and your water use habits.

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Swimming pool covers

Evaporation typically causes the largest loss of energy in a swimming pool. A pool cover helps minimize evaporation, which will save you energy.  For even more savings, invest in a solar pool cover.

Pool covers

A cover is a swimming pool accessory that comes in a variety of materials and styles—and is also a wise investment. All covers conserve water by preventing evaporation. Solar covers use the sun's rays to heat the pool.
Product Cost: A basic pool cover runs $15–$150 for an above ground pool and $30–$350 or more for in-ground.  For a solar pool cover, you can expect to pay $20–$400 for an above-ground pool and $40–$500 for an in-ground pool, depending on size and quality.

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Solar pool heating systems

If you own a pool, consider installing a solar pool heating system.  Doing so can extend your swimming season and reduce monthly fuel bills, without depleting non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels.

Solar pool heating systems

Over a 15-year period, you could spend five times or more on heating your pool with gas what you would spend on installing a solar heater today. Once your solar system is installed there are no more heating bills to pay.
Product Cost: Total cost including installation is approximately $3100–$5000.

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High-efficiency water heaters

Often, the best solution to save money and energy is to purchase a new water heater.  In addition to the conventional storage tank water heater, there are several new higher efficiency technologies available.  Take advantage of the various incentives offered to switch to a more efficient unit.

Solar water heaters

A solar hot water system can meet approximately 50% of total hot water needs. Domestic solar hot water systems reduce the peak loads on electricity or gas heaters and so can reduce the demands on utility infrastructure. For a complete Buyers Guide for solar hot water heaters see the Natural Resources Canada website.
Product Cost: $1000–$3500  But make sure to check out SolarBC’s $1625 solar water heater incentive program located in the Resources section.

Natural gas on demand water heaters

The advantage of on-demand water heaters is that you heat your water as you use it rather than paying to have it constantly heated, thereby saving on the standby energy losses associated with conventional storage water heaters. Researchers have found savings can be up to 30% compared with a standard natural-gas storage tank water heater.
Product Cost: $1000–$2000

Condensing hot water heaters

Condensing hot water heaters are the most energy efficient tank-style water heater and thus cost less to operate.
Product Cost: $500

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