I’m on the conservation bandwagon
Although I haven’t seen any palm trees nearby, or sensed that the glaciers are melting in the neighbourhood, I agree that it’s time to be a little more rational in my use of energy. I am one small bean in a larger pot of chili, but there is a body of scientific knowledge that reassures me my efforts, at least, won’t hurt.
At home, one of the larger budget items involves regular transfers of cash to the utility company. We live in an electrical house; pull the plug and I live in a cold, dark cave. When the opportunity came along last September to “improve” the use of expensive heat in the house, I improved. At least, I purchased a set of programmable thermostats, had them installed in accordance with standard practices and applied for the rebate offered by Hydro. So far so good.
Well, with just over six months of use, cold ones at that, I finally have a little bit of graphic evidence that the choice was the right one. We can “see” our consumption numbers on the corporate website, and the pictures do tell a story.
First, the temperature statistics for the last two years:
Next, the usage statistics for the same two years:
The upgrade was completed in late September, so the period from Oct 2006 through Feb 2007 is the part that is pertinent. I believe the evidence is in; my consumption is decreasing. I’ve also changed the majority of our light bulbs, and I hope to convince the dog to run a treadmill “real soon now”. Just doing our part, don’t you see?
