Your Guide to the One-Tonne Challenge
Tips For Homeowners – Heating your space
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label
on on windows and sliding glass
doors. These energy-efficient
products reduce energy costs
and create less condensation.
Visit ENERGY STAR.
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Install one of today’s energy efficient furnaces
It can save you up to 25% of your home heating costs each year, reduce your GHGs and, depending on the efficiency of your old furnace, pay you back for its higher initial cost in about seven years.
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Install storm windows
If your current windows are
single-glazed, storm windows will
add an extra layer of protection.
Windows can account for up to
25% of total house heat loss.
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Keep window curtains open during the day in winter
This allows passive solar energy into your home and can save you up to 5% on home heating. Close the curtains in the evening.
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Keep your furnace well maintained
Keep your furnace well maintained and change or clean furnace filters every couple of months. Dirty air filters block airflow and can damage the heat exchanger. Visit CMHC for more information.
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Lower your thermostat
For every 1°C (2°F) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% on your heating bill. A reduction of 3°C (5°F) at night and when you are away during the day provides optimal savings.
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Replace exterior doors
Replace exterior doors in poor repair with insulated core doors or add storm doors.
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Remove window air conditioners for the winter
Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they are fixed in place, seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight, insulated jacket to avoid heat loss.
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Seal and insulate warm air-ducts
Aluminium duct tape can easily seal leaks and reduce duct air leakage by up to 25%. Insulation can also reduce heat loss from unheated areas, such as the basement or crawl space.
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Upgrade your insulation
Upgrade your insulation in walls, the basement and attic. Insulating your basement walls and attic can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30%.
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Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks
Get a professional to help you reduce your home heating needs by up to 20% by getting rid of drafts and leaks around windows, doors, baseboards and attic hatches. At the same time, seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets; on inside walls, use childproof plugs or combination cover plates
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Install a ceiling fan
Change the direction of the fan to push warm air down in the winter. This especially benefits houses with electric baseboards or high cathedral ceilings. If you need a fan with lights, choose one with compact fluorescent lights to further reduce electricity use and heat buildup in summer.
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Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the day in summer
This helps keep your home cooler.
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Shut off the pilot light
Shut off the pilot light of your natural gas fireplace or wall heater during summer months. If you don’t know how to relight the pilot light, ask your heating contractor to show you during your next servicing.
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