This winter, follow these tips to save on your heating bill
The cool weather has begun in the last few days, pushing us to light the fireplace and turn on the electric heat for more comfort. Soon enough, sub-zero temperatures will drive up the bills!
However, you can reduce costs by following a few simple tips. Do you know what they are? They are even more important if you are the owner of an older home that probably does not meet current insulation standards.
Install a Programmable And/or a Smart Thermostat
By setting a schedule, you will avoid heating rooms unnecessarily. Programmable thermostats allow for optimal heat management: on days when no one is home and during the night, set the temperature at 18° Celsius or lower.
If you have a smart thermostat, you can even change the temperature remotely, depending on Mother Nature’s mood swings or the comings and goings of family members throughout the day.
Uses Ceiling Fans
Does your home have ceiling fans in the rooms or staircases? They can definitely be used to create a breeze during hot summer days or to circulate air around the house, but by setting them to rotate clockwise, you will allow the heat to descend.
Keep the Water Heater… Warm!
Did you know that to save on the water heating bill throughout summer and winter, you can cover the water heater with a thermal blanket? Thus, heat escapes very slowly and the heating system consumes less energy.
Caulk Doors, Windows and Outlets
Air passages throughout the house affect its energy efficiency. Place your hand near doors, windows and power outlets to check their tightness. By blocking these holes, you will prevent hot air from escaping and cold air from entering.
Remove the Dust from Baseboard Heaters
Useless trick, you say? We disagree! Dusting your baseboard heaters will allow them to diffuse heat evenly, since the dust layer forms a barrier.
Also, be sure to keep furniture away from them to avoid obstructing these heat outlets!
Use Plants
Outdoor green walls cool the property during the summer since they act as a barrier against the sun, but they have another use during the winter: protecting the house from the cold. Trees and shrubs near the home also do the trick.
Insulate the Attic
Here is another step that you can take, but it is not as simple as the other tips: renovate the attic. Because heat rises, the attic is often where it escapes, instead of making its way through the home. Make sure that this part of your home’s structure is well insulated, both the roof and the walls. For best results, use insulation with a thermal resistance of R40 or higher.
Combined, these tips will certainly help you reduce your energy bill, in addition to helping reduce your ecological footprint. Some programs also offer to bring in experts for free who can check the impermeability of your home and explain how to fix possible problems.