08 Nov How to Save on Heating Bills This Winter
How to Save on Heating Bills This Winter
As we move closer to the winter months, finding the balance between living comfortably in your home and monitoring your budget can be a challenge. Here are a few home projects and tips that will help you save on your heating bill.
Seal air leaks around windows and doors & Install weather stripping around drafty doors
Weather stripping can reduce your heating bill by as much as 30 per cent. It is available in different widths and thicknesses, you will need to measure both the length and width of the area that needs to be sealed.
Install a smart thermostat
Wi-Fi enabled thermostats help save money and energy by using algorithms to decide when to turn up the heat based on your preferences and habits. Not only will you be able to control your heating and cooling remotely, many energy companies offer rebates and discounts for customers who install a smart thermostat.
Move Furniture away from Vents, registers and radiators
It may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes couches, chairs or décor can block air flow into the room. If you have a forced-air system, blocking a supply or return vent can cause a pressure imbalance that disrupts the heat flow across the entire house.
Have your furnace serviced
Good idea to have your furnace cleaned and serviced to make sure it is operating efficiently. If your furnace is older, a service plan that includes annual maintenance, emergency service, and some coverage for expenses if a repair is required, can be worth the monthly or annual fee, especially on those cold winter evenings.
Add drapes
Open the curtains or blinds during the day and close them at night to keep the heat in. You may also want to consider blackout curtains, they act as insulation for large glass windows.
Consider adding insulation in your home’s attic and/or crawl space to help lower heating costs.
If you have CMHC insured financing you may qualify for a partial premium refund.
Get your fireplace ready for winter
On the coldest winter days, nothing beats getting cozy next to a warm, crackling fireplace. Like any major appliance in your home, a fireplace – whether gas or wood-burning – needs seasonal maintenance to prepare it for frequent usage when outside temperatures drop.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace:
- Inspect your chimney inside and out for damage. Look for any cracks, crumbling mortar or signs of deterioration that could hamper your chimney’s structural integrity.
- Get a professional chimney sweep to clear out any built-up soot or debris. Doing this at least once per year can help prevent chimney fires. If you are thinking of selling in the coming year, you may want to consider getting it inspected by a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) certified inspector.
If you have a gas fireplace:
- Schedule an inspection with a professional technician to do a thorough examination of your fireplace before the first use of the season.
- Inspect the pilot light to confirm that it is switched on and that you have a good connection to your gas feed. If you are reopening your gas line and relighting your pilot for the first time this season, monitor your pilot light during the first use to ensure that it functions as normal.
Regardless of the type of fireplace in your home, you should always clean and dust your unit regularly and especially before the first use of the season. This is also a great time to test your home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
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