Professional Tips

Our technicians have years of expertise in heating and cooling. Their expertise may help you save money, from proper insulation to optimizing the performance of heating and cooling system.

Insulation

• One of the most important steps to conserve energy and to keep your utility bills low is proper home insulation. For average homes, the ideal ceiling insulation is R-40 while ideal wall insulation is R-20.
• Keep your doors and windows closed while operating your heating or cooling system.
• Double-pane windows have a sealed air space which in turns allows to reduce heat loss in winter time and heat gain in summer time. Compare to single-pane windows, double-pane can reduce heat transfer by up to 40%-50%.
• Use wood or metal storm window when possible. Adding extra layer of glass will help to reduce heat transfer, even if you have high quality windows.
• Inspect house for possible air leaks. Areas for air leaks are as follow: electrical outlets and switches, door and windows frames, weather-stripping around doors, attic hatches, electrical and gas service entrances, vents and fans, baseboards, tv cable and phone lines, fireplace dampers, window-mounted air conditioners. Apply caulking or weather-stripping leaving no gaps or cracks.

Energy Efficiency

• By installing a humidifier in your home you will save on heating cost because moist air feels much warmer than dry air. Lowering your thermostat by 1º C can reduce your gas bill by $5 a month. Invest in a humidifier and start saving.
• Programmable thermostat is a great way to boost your savings. With programmable thermostat you have ability to adjust the temperature to your schedule, which allows you to save on energy.
• When you away on vacation, adjust the thermostat so that your system will less than usual. If you have WI-FI thermostat you can adjust it even when you are not at home. We don’t recommend to turn the system off because it may cause your pipes to freeze in winter time or create excessive humidity in summer time.

Heating and Cooling System

• To get maximum comfort, install your thermostat on an inside wall, about 10 feet away from doors and windows.
• People will generate heat, so when you have large group of people in your house try to lower temperature on your thermostat by 2-3º C. You’ll feel comfortable and enjoy your savings.
• For each degree over 20°C you will add about $5 to the heating bill, so in winter time set your thermostat as low as comfort allows you to.
• To reduce heat buildup, make sure the attic is well ventilated. Add additional vents if needed.
• When replacing roof shingles choose light-coloured shingles. They reflect the sun’s heat in hot summer days.
• Install shades or shutters on windows and/or patio doors that are exposed to direct sunlight. To block the sunlight consider installing awning from outside.
• Draw blinds or drapes during the hottest hours of the day.

• In summer, when using air conditioner, set your temperature as high as comfort permits.