Here are the first ten items from the 100 ways to conserve energy list on the Count Me in Ontario website.

Consider them conservation inspiration!

Follow up:

1) Schedule an energy audit of my home - and act on the results.

The Government of Ontario will help fund an audit and related retrofits to improve your home's energy efficiency. Get more information from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure at homeenergyontario.ca or by calling 1-888-668-4636.

2) Have my central air conditioning and furnace serviced.

Use a licensed HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) professional to ensure maximum performance.

3) Clean my air conditioning unit's condenser of dirt and debris.

4) Clean or replace my furnace filter (especially, if I have central A/C).

Change or clean it monthly through the summer and every three months in winter.

5) Install a programmable thermostat.

A properly set programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10 per cent.

6) Improve the insulation of my home.

7) Reduce air leakages in my home.

Caulk around windows, apply good quality weather stripping around doors, and install foam gaskets behind the cover plates of lighting fixtures, wall switches and receptacle face plates, especially on exterior facing walls.

8) Sign up for peaksaver®.

Allow your utility to turn down your air conditioner for short periods during hot summer weekdays when the demand for electricity is high. (Visit everykilowattcounts.ca to find out more about the program and the cash incentives). Here is a link to the Waterloo North Hydro Peaksaver program and the Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Peaksaver program.

9) Right-size my refrigerator.

Even an energy-efficient model can't give you maximum savings if it's too big for your needs.

10) Get rid of my old energy-guzzling second fridge.

Take advantage of the Great Refrigerator Round Up! (Visit everykilowattcounts.ca to find out more about the program).

The Ontario Power Authority is looking for Ontario's oldest and most unique refrigerators. Think your fridge is up for the competition? More information on the Fridge Relic Contest.