Today marks the first day of fall! The lazy days of summer have gone by way too quickly, and now we’re back into the hustle and bustle of back to school. Before you know it, the first snowfall of the season will hit and we’ll be braving the malls for last minute holiday gifts!
September is the perfect time to get ready for the long winter ahead. First, we recommend scheduling regular maintenance of your furnace before you start it up again this year. Once that’s completed, you can go ahead and follow these steps and get ready for the energy savings that will come your way!
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, now’s a great time to get one installed. A programmable thermostat will give you more control over your home’s temperature, which can translate into energy savings for you. Here’s some efficiency tips that will help you save money:
- Turn down the heat when you leave for the day. Decreasing the temperature by even one degree can have a huge impact on your bill… and according to CMHC, your thermostat setback can lead to savings from 5 – 15%!
- Turn down the heat when you go to bed. You’ll be cozy under the covers and won’t need the extra heat while asleep – and there's an added bonus – studies show a comfortable, cool temperature (around 18.5 degree Celsius) leads to improved sleep.
Prepare your home or cottage for the windy and cold winter months but sealing and insulating your home. Proper insulation and ventilation will make sure your warm air doesn’t leak out of your home … and it will prevent the cold air from getting in.
Begin by checking your attic or basement insulation. Those are the two biggest offenders for air leaks. From there, consider your walls, floors, doors and windows. If your insulation looks good and you’re still experiencing cold drafts, examine your pipes, light fixtures and electrical outlets – these areas can create small “cracks” where air can leak in and out of your home.
What else can you do to improve your home’s efficiency?
- Replace your windows…or improve their insulation by covering them with plastic sheeting. This can help prevent cold drafts from seeping into your home.
- Inspect your furnace filter monthly, or at minimum every three months. Replace when dirty and improve your furnace’s operating efficiency.
- Reverse the flow of your ceiling fan in the winter months. This will help prevent warm air from escaping through the ceiling by redistributing it throughout the room.
- Install a timer on your water heater. Consider turning it off at night and back on in the morning before you wake up.
- And of course, make sure to let the sun shine in! Open your curtains during the day and let the sun heat your home.
Looking for more ways to save energy this year? Propane is one of the most energy-effient and cost-effective fuels on the market! Contact us today for a free quote on propane heating and you'll be on your way toward winter savings!
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Budget Propane Ontario supplies bulk propane to residential, commercial, and construction sites in central Ontario. Call us to discuss your needs and to learn about the benefits of using propane. 1 888 405.7777.