Heating and cooling the neighbourhood?
Here are a few tips to help you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer - and save energy at the same time.
Start with a Home Energy Assessment
A Home Energy Assessment can help you determine which home improvements will reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. The assessment will also help you access government grants and rebates available to help you reduce energy use.
Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat makes it easy to save energy and money all year round. Rebates on the purchase of programmable thermostats are available from the Ontario Power Authority.
During the winter, set your thermostat at 17°C (63°F) when you are not home and when you are sleeping, and 20°C (68°F) when you are home and awake.
During the summer, set your thermostat at 25.5° C (78° F) or higher if comfort permits.
Guidelines for Programmable Thermostats.
Insulate your home
The easiest, most cost-effective way to insulate a home is to add insulation in the attic. You can also insulate unfinished basement walls and crawlspaces. A Home Energy Assessment can help you determine what you need to do.
Service your furnace
Have your furnace serviced annually, and regularly clean or replace filters. When you replace your furnace, buy a high-efficiency model. The Ontario Power Authority through its Cool Savings program.
Use air deflectors to direct air into rooms. Close your fireplace damper and cover the opening when not in use. Keep all air registers/radiators clean and free of obstructions.
Insulate hot air ducts that pass through unheated space. Seal heating ductwork seams with mastic (a gooey substance applied with a paintbush; ask your hardware store about it). Duct tape doesn’t work well on heating ducts.
Upgrade your windows
Check the weather-stripping and caulking on all windows and doors and replace if worn or damaged.
When you replace your windows, consider low-e coated or ENERGY STAR windows.
Heating resources
Energy efficiency tips from Enbridge
