Heating comprises about 60 per cent of your home's energy bills during the winter months. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to maximize warmth and minimize the impact to your pocketbook this season:
- Replace or clean furnace filters every 3 months. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use so keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted.
- Check your fireplace flue and dampers. Make sure that it fully closes when your fireplace is not in use and inspect the interior of the fireplace for holes or gaps that require fireproof sealing.
- Run your ceiling fans in reverse. Turn your fans in a clockwise direction during the winter to take any warm air sitting near your ceilings and push it back down into your living areas.
- Adjust your thermostat. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every 1℃ you turn down your thermostat. Set it to 21°C when you're home awake, 18°C when you're sleeping and 15°C when you're out.
- Let the Sun Shine In. South facing windows can be a source of solar warmth so during daylight hours, keep your drapes and blinds open to let the sun help heat your home.
- Seal the Leaks. Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows, door frames, baseboards, ducting and electrical outlets to save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill.
- Keep the heat where it’s needed most. Turn off the heat supply and close the door to unused rooms, such as guest bedrooms, and interior doors leading to hallways or stairways.