Don't let this winter's heating bills put a dent in your wallet. Here are some energy-saving tips for your home to help keep your heating costs down.
Fireplaces
- For wood burning fireplaces, close the damper tightly when not in use to prevent heat loss and drafts.
- Install glass doors for those times when your fireplace is not in use. The glass doors will act as a barrier minimizing the loss of warm air up into the chimney.
- When you are using your fireplace, turn down your home's thermostat.
Furnace
- Have your furnace serviced every year by a licensed technician.
- Regularly (about every two months) clean or replace your furnace filter throughout the heating season. Clogged filters reduce airflow forcing your furnace to work harder.
- Suggested thermostat settings are 21 °C when you are home, 18 °C when you are sleeping and 15 °C when you are out.
Did you know? It's estimated that during the winter months, lowering your thermostat by 1 °C will save you as much as three per cent in the energy used by your furnace? - Consider installing a programmable thermostat to lower and raise temperatures according to your schedule.
Around the home
- Draft proof your home. Weatherstrip your doors, windows and attic access point. Caulk any cracks or gaps. Childproof plugs and foam gaskets are great for combating heat loss that can occur through outlets.
- Up to 25 per cent of your home's heat is lost through your windows. Shutters and drapes help keep your heat in and the cold out. During the days, open your drapes and blinds on windows that are warmed by the sun and then close them at night to keep the warmth in.
- Keep shade trees from blocking the suns rays into your house. Prune any branches that block the sunlight.
- Shrink wrapping your windows is a low-cost way to lessen the heat loss through your windows.
- Ensure that heating vents are open, that they are kept clean and are not being blocked by curtains or furniture. With radiators or baseboards ensure they are clean and unobstructed.
- Dress according to the weather outside. If you are chilled in your home, but are wearing a t-shirt, consider putting on a sweater before turning up the thermostat.
Home tips and resources
Tips pulled from a variety of sources including: Toronto Hyrdo, BC Hydro, SaskEnergy and Ontario's Ministry of Energy.
