Brrr it’s very cold outside and there has already been snow – plus sub-zero temperatures and old Jack Frost has been painting up the windows! For many of us Winter is the time when there heating bill goes through the roof, but it doesn’t have to:
7 Secrets to Saving on Heating Costs!
1) INSULATION
Heat loss through walls and attics can be reduced using cavity insulation. This involves blowing insulating material into the gap between the interior
and exterior walls.
2) DOUBLE PANED WINDOWS
Single paned windows are highly inefficient and keep your home chilly and
uncomfortable. Upgrading to double paned windows will substantially
reduce your heating bill savings and over time these energy efficient
windows will likely pay for themselves.
3)Window Caulk & Film
If you can’t afford to upgrade to double pane windows. A more cost-effective solution is caulk the window frame and cover with window film. Caulking around windows blocks air leaks. Window fillm is affordable and easy to install, creating a sealing that can reduce heat loss by 50%.
4) WEATHER STRIPPING
As far as drafty doors go, weather stripping can be a relatively inexpensive DIY option. All you need is a pair of scissors, some fabric, a sewing kit, a funnel, some filling, like rice or kitty litter and a little practice.
5) UNBLOCK VENTS
Keep heating vents clear by moving away objects such as rugs and furniture which block the vent and prevent heated air from circulating efficiently. Return air registers also need to be kept clear.
6) FURNACE / DUCT INSPECTION
Have your furnace and duct work inspected for potential heat loss issues.(Un-insulated ductwork which winds it way through a cold attic or crawlspace can lose up to 60% of its heat before it reaches the vent outlet.)
7) PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Installing a programmable thermostat, which automatically lowers the temperature at night and when you’re away, can further reduce your heating bill by up to 33%.
ROOF INSULATION COMPARISON
Here are a couple of good photos to further highlight heat-loss. The first
one contrasts an old home with lots of snow-melt, with a brand-new home
(less than 1 year-old) with similar.The second one shows an older home with LOTS of attic insulation and VOILA (very little snow-melt at all). Note: photos were taken in same neighbourhood at the same time.
Welcome to “Love Your Home”
Our team was recently called out to document a long list of complaints and serious issues at a secondary rental suite in Richmond. A woman and her two daughters had rented one of two suites in a single detached home. Unfortunately, she had rented this property without a professional Inspection first and she had been completely unaware of the many lurking problems, until it was too late.
