Since our winters here in Ottawa can be extremely cold, many homeowners face the necessity of having high-energy consumption (and, of course, costs) that reflect on those heating bills each month, encouraging us to find ways to save on heating costs. And with hydro prices steadily on the rise, it can feel next to impossible to cut back on those costs and keep your home warm throughout the winter.
But there are some ways to get around paying so much each and every month, while still staying warm at home. Here, we’ve compiled five easy ways to save on Ottawa heating costs so that you and your family can stay warm without having to dread when it’s time to pay the bills each month.
Use a Smart Thermostat
By using a smart thermostat, it allows you to program the thermostat to help reduce your usage and thus, your costs. According to Hydro Ottawa, a properly set programmable thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. They also suggest setting your thermostat around 20 degrees Celsius when you are at home and about 18 degrees Celsius overnight or away from home.
Keep Vents in Unused Rooms Closed
Any areas of your home that are seldom used and unnecessary to receive heat, keep the vents closed. This can help concentrate the heat more in the areas and rooms throughout your home that do need it. Does the closet in your guest bedroom really need to be pumped with heat all winter long? Probably not.
Throw on an Extra Layer at Home will save on heating costs
Why not take advantage of embracing sweater weather by dressing a littler warmer at home? By throwing on an extra layer instead of hanging out in short sleeves at home, you can keep yourself warmer without having to turn up the heat.
Have Your Furnace Serviced
Having your furnace serviced and maintained on a regular basis is important to ensure that it is running properly and efficiently. It’s recommended to have your furnace inspected and maintained (cleaned) yearly. The best time for a furnace inspection is in the fall before the cold weather hits, but if you spot an issue with your furnace call your local HVAC repair company for service anytime.
Upgrade to a High-Energy Efficient Furnace
When your furnace is inspected and serviced by a trained technician, they can monitor it and determine when it might be time to consider upgrading. When your furnace is old, it may have reached the end of its lifespan and can cause you to spend more effort and money just to maintain a comfortable temperature. By upgrading it you can save much more in the long run. With the advantageous rebates available to Ontario homeowners, there is no better time to make the switch.
By incorporating some of these best practicaes, you can help to greatly reduce your energy consumption, as well as your monthly costs. For more tips on reducing heating costs, call the heating pros at Advanced HVAC – we’re always happy to help!