1

When purchasing home comfort equipment, choose a reputable, knowledgeable contractor. A good contractor should be able to help you calculate energy savings and the payback period, and offer a range of brands and prices. Don't forget about warranties, service contracts, delivery and installation.

2

Have your furnace professionally inspected and tuned up annually by a qualified, reputable heating contractor to ensure safe, efficient operation before the cold weather arrives.

3

Have an experienced, licensed service technician do a safety check on all your gas appliances once per year to ensure that they conform to the original manufacturer’s specifications.

4

A regular maintenance program is recommended for both the safe and efficient operation of your furnace. A properly maintained heating system works more efficiently, and reduces your energy usage.

5

If your furnace is 15-20 years old, you should consider replacing it. An old furnace, even in good condition, may use only 60 percent of the available heat to warm the house - forty cents of every heating dollar goes out the chimney.

6

Rule of thumb: If your furnace was built before 1987 and needs $600 or more in repairs, you probably want to replace it.

7

When buying a new furnace, consider a high-efficiency model. Although it may cost more to buy than other models, the lower operating costs could save you money in the long run.

8

The EnergyStar logo helps you identify high-efficiency appliances. This designation means the appliance exceeds minimum federal energy use standards, usually by a significant amount.

9

Use the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels on new furnaces, air conditioners and other major appliances to compare their energy use, efficiency and estimated annual operating costs.

10

Keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear so that the air supply to the appliance is not blocked off.

11

Vacuum registers and vents regularly, and don't let furniture, draperies, area rugs or other objects block the airflow. Obstructed vents have to work harder to heat your home, and will increase your energy costs.

12

Don’t alter your furnace in any way and always turn the furnace power switch off before removing the furnace panels to inspect it. Replace all panels securely and turn the furnace switch back on when you’re finished.

13

Check your furnace filter monthly for maximum air cleaning efficiency. Vacuum, wash or replace it if it’s dirty. Dust and dirt can quickly clog vital parts, making your furnace run harder and eventually break down.

14

Install a programmable thermostat and set it to turn back when you’re not home, or asleep. To avoid waking up to a cold house, programme the thermostat to turn the heat up an hour or so before you plan to wake up.

15

Turning down your thermostat too far, could result in more energy being used to reheat the house than you might have saved. The thermostat should not be turned down more than 6º C below the normal household setting in the winter.

16

When adjusting your thermostat by hand, remember the house will not warm up or cool down any faster if you adjust the thermostat past the desired temperature.

17

Keep lights away from thermostats. The heat from the light bulb can affect the thermostat's operation and cause your furnace to run less than needed.

18

Don't set the thermostat higher than you actually want it. It won't heat your home any faster, and it’ll keep your furnace running longer than necessary.

19

Service your humidifier at the beginning of the heating season. Clean it thoroughly, replace the humidifier pad or water panel, open the water valve and open the bypass damper to allow air to pass through the humidifier.

20

Use your ceiling fan in the winter to help circulate air throughout the house. Fans running counter clockwise, and set on low will push the warm air lower where you need it most.

21

Turn on your furnace fan so that it is constantly on during colder periods- it will circulate the warm air throughout the house.

22

In the wintertime, minimize your use of kitchen/bath ventilation fans. In just 1 hr they can draw all the heated air from a home!

23

Have your cooling system serviced every summer. Your air conditioner’s efficiency will decrease dramatically if it isn’t cleaned and checked regularly.

24

Don’t make big thermostat adjustments during cooling season. It can take as long as 18 hrs to cool a house back down if the air conditioner was turned off all day.

25

When you have the heating system of your new home checked, have the cooling system inspected too. A poorly maintained air conditioner is less efficient, consumes excess hydro, and eventually won’t be able to cool the house.

26

If your air conditioner is over 15 years old, consider replacing it before it wears out. You’ll avoid a last-minute emergency replacement in a summer heat wave, and significantly reduce your energy bills – new units are much more energy efficient.

27

The energy efficiency of central air conditioners is measured in SEER’s- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER, the better - 10 SEER is the minimum for new systems.

28

An air conditioner with a larger capacity than necessary may cool a home more quickly, but will also use more energy by cycling more frequently. Since it runs for a shorter period of time, it also won’t dehumidify the air effectively.

29

Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." This circulates air continuously, keeping the temperature more even throughout the house and aiding in dehumidification.

30

In almost every case, a natural gas appliance is more economical to use than an electric model. Any price difference will usually be paid back in energy savings.

31

Prevent lime deposits and sediment build-up in your water heater by draining enough water from the water heater until it runs clear. Repeat this procedure every 2 months for better heater efficiency during the heating season.

32

Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket. If you’re not sure your heater needs the blanket, just feel the tank carefully. If you notice any warmth, wrapping will help keep that heat in.

33

Set the water heater temperature at 120° F. - about halfway between low and medium. This saves energy, prevents scalding, and keeps unhealthy bacteria from growing.

34

Have a certified contractor inspect your chimney annually for blockage or deterioration - moisture stains, cracks, white chalky deposits or loose mortar.

35

If you have a fireplace, make sure you close the flue or damper when it's not in use, and that it’s sealed tight. Your home’s warm air can go right up the chimney at the rate of up to 400 cubic feet each minute.

36

Check the seal on the fireplace damper by closing it off and holding a piece of tissue paper inside the firebox. If drafts blow the tissue around, repair or replace the damper.

37

By simply caulking, sealing, and weather stripping around all your windows, outside doors, or where plumbing, ducting, and electrical wiring penetrate exterior walls, floors or ceilings, you can save on your heating bill.

38

Horizontal blinds trap the heat inside better than vertical blinds, especially when the slats are angled up toward the window as opposed to away from the window

39

When insulating your attic, never cover attic vents or recessed light fixtures with insulation, and allow a three-inch clearance around chimneys and flue pipes to prevent overheating and avoid the risk of fire.

40

Check the exterior of your home for air leaks, especially around openings for water spigots, air conditioner hoses, dryer vents and gas pipes. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal spaces.