Create some positive energy - turn in those clunkers

C’mon Toronto, we know there are still some hidden incandescent light bulbs, wheezing room air-conditioners and antique dehumidifiers lurking in your homes. Now is the time to get rid of those energy hogs. Through Toronto Hydro’s Great Exchange program, Toronto residents can trade-in old incandescent light bulbs for up to five new compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), free of charge on June 5/6,12/13 and 19/20 at Toronto Rona, Home Depot and Walmart locations. They can also bring in their old room air conditioners and dehumidifiers in exchange for a $25 or $10 gift card. Need more motivation? Here are a couple of really good reasons to rid yourself of those old-fashioned bulbs and clunker appliances:

The sale of incandescent light bulbs will be banned by the Ontario government in 2012

Replacing five standard incandescent bulbs with Energy Star-qualified CFLs can save $30 a year

One old room air-conditioner can generate 1.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly

Room air-conditioners and dehumidifiers sold 10 to 15 years ago use 60 to 70 per cent more energy than new Energy Star-qualified models

An Energy Star-qualified room air conditioner will save you $75 over the expected life of the unit