Take the Chill Out of Winter

While replacing an old furnace and upgrading insulation are important considerations, there are also ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency at minimal cost.  Consider the following measures, which may improve your home environment and lead to lower heating bills. 

• Install a programmable thermostat and conveniently control your indoor temperature.  A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the temperature of your home at varying levels throughout the day to match your heating requirements.  You can save approximately two per cent on the space-heating portion of your energy bill for every degree you consistently lower your thermostat over an eight-hour period during the heating season.
  
  
• Improve the performance of older windows by installing storm windows or heat-shrink plastic film during the colder months.  Kits are available at local hardware stores.
  
  
• Seal air leaks around your windows, doors and the entry points of your meters and gas lines.  Many older homes are a haven for leaks, especially around windows and doors.  On a cool windy day, check for air leaks by using a feather, incense stick or thin piece of plastic.  There are many air sealing products on the market with varying degrees of quality.  Discuss your concerns with a hardware or building-supply store representative who will help you choose the right product for the job.
   
• Make use of your curtains or blinds.  Capture free solar heat by opening curtains on west and south-facing windows during the day and trap that heat by closing them before sunset.  An effective window covering will also help keep the window warmer and prevent frosting.
  
  
• If you use a traditional wood-burning fireplace, check that the damper is in proper working order and closed when the fireplace is not in use. Wood-burning fireplaces are a major source of heat loss because valuable energy escapes through the chimney.  Consider installing glass doors to reduce energy loss by more than 60 per cent.  Consider a gas fireplace, which offers efficiencies up to 70 per cent.  Gas fireplaces can be controlled via a thermostat, which helps regulate room temperature.
  
  
• Clean or change your furnace filter regularly over the heating season.  Furnace filters protect the furnace and clean the air circulating through the house.  Dirty filters can reduce the air flow, making the furnace work harder and less efficiently.

Increasing the energy efficiency in your home doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking.  The road to a more comfortable home and lower energy bills sometimes starts with inexpensive solutions and only requires a minimal investment of your time.