With the temperatures already dropping, we've made the switch from cooling our homes to heating them. How can we make sure that our furnace is properly cared for and our home stays warm, without spending a fortune?
Rebecca G. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Dave Walton, Director of Home Energy at Direct Energy, answered;
Approach furnace maintenance the way you would the fall wardrobe switch. Fall clothes may not come out until the first cool day, but they’re ready-and-waiting in your closet for the arrival of chilly temperatures. Similarly, starting up your furnace to make sure it is working properly prior to the winter season will help you avoid being left in the cold. Before the temperature starts to dip, schedule a furnace tune-up. It’s important to have your heating system checked each year to ensure it’s operating efficiently. Be sure to use a licensed technician from a trusted organization like Direct Energy who can identify potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Here are a few simple things you can do to save a few dollars on the heating bill each month.
- Setting the programmable thermostat a degree or two lower when you’re not home and overnight. This can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating bill.
- Change the furnace filter every two to three months. This helps the furnace run more efficiently and also saves energy.
- Don’t heat unused rooms.
- Seal leaks with caulking and weather stripping. Up to 30 percent of your home’s heat can be lost through poorly fitted windows. Caulking one window that’s over 10 years old can save five to ten percent in heating costs!
- Your attic. There should be approximately 12” of insulation in your attic, anything less should be topped up.
Just a five percent saving in energy costs can save up to $20 to $70 per year. That’s cash that can be invested into much more exciting things like a dinner out, a little shopping therapy or savings for a rainy day.
With over 27 years of experience, Dave Walton provides homeowners with tips and advice to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. For the past four years, Dave has served as Direct Energy’s Canadian spokesperson for energy efficiency ideas for the home. He has appeared on television morning shows, radio shows, newspapers and magazines across Canada.
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