Winter in Toronto can be difficult enough with its cold temperatures. Another disadvantage of the Canadian winter for many homeowners is the high energy bills. When you have to run your furnace for most of the day, you’ll likely see your energy bills skyrocket. At Consumers Energy Management Inc., we know the bills don’t have to be as high as they can be in the dead of winter, so we have tips for residents sick of paying tons of money toward their heating.
Replace the Furnace’s Filter
A common source of grief for residents is a clogged furnace filter. These filters can become dirty quickly in the winter, when the furnace operates more often. People who use their furnaces constantly during the winter should consider replacing the filter once a month. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple process, and it goes a long way toward ensuring that your furnace isn’t overworking itself and straining its parts.
Prevent Air Leakage
In many homes, leaks around the doors and windows can contribute to loss of heat. The furnace has a hard time compensating for the amount of heat lost in those small areas, and the home doesn’t heat properly. Therefore, the furnace constantly runs to compensate for the lost heat. If you’re noticing high energy bills, take a walk around the home and inspect the windows and doors to see if there are any leaks. You can use caulk to seal those holes.
Additionally, make sure to seal your fireplace damper whenever you are not using it. If you neglect to do so, then that becomes another source of major air leakage.
Turn Down the Water Heater’s Temperature
Many people have their water heaters set to the highest temperature. While this might seem like a good way to get the warmest water for a shower, it’s actually better to keep the temperature at a medium or warm setting. You will still benefit from a nice shower, but the water heater won’t constantly be trying to keep the water heated at the maximum level.
Manage the Thermostat
Inefficient thermostats can cause a furnace to work harder or more often than it needs to in order to heat a home. Putting your thermostat on a high heat setting might not be necessary for many people. The cooler you keep your home, the lower your bills will be. Even lowering the thermostat by one degree can help to save money.
In the winter, check your thermostat to see that it’s working properly. You may need to replace yours with a programmable thermostats. These work to save energy costs because you have more control over the heating in your residence. Multiple thermostats inside the home can heat up rooms that people use often, while others remain off in areas that don’t need to be heated.
Get Service From Consumers Energy Management Inc.
The best way to make sure your furnace and heating system is working well is to schedule service with Consumers Energy Management Inc. Ontario. We ensure that your furnace is working as efficiently as possible without hidden defects that raise your energy bills.
Follow these tips to lower your energy costs this winter. Keep warm and save some money!