1. Install a programmable thermostat.  this provides you the ability to manager your homes temperature 24/7.  They are not that expensive and can pay for themselves in a few months.
2. Reduce thermostat to 20 degrees C, 68 F for general living.  Wearing a sweater or slippers can make you comfortable while saving energy dollars.
3. Lower thermostat at night and when house is unoccupied.  This can save up to 15% itself on heating costs.
4. Change the furnace filter, or clean permanent filter.  Dirty or plugged furnace filters lower heating efficiency by preventing proper airflow through the furnace.  Check your filters monthly.  When you buy filters, get an extra one to have on hand.  Write the size of your furnace filter on the outside of your furnace for easy reference.
5. Have furnace and ducts cleaned and checked.  This helps to assure that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency – that fuel air mixture is optimum for proper combustion, and that a clean blower and burners maximizes airflow and combustion.  Make sure that your dryer vent is clear of obstruction.
6. Let sunshine in south windows during the day.  open window coverings during sunny winter days.  Low sun angles in winter allows for substantial solar heating.  It may be worthwhile to trim vegetation that shades south windows.
7. Check weather stripping on doors and windows.  check for drafts and replace worn stripping.  Reducing air leaks will make living space more comfortable while reducing energy costs.
8. Close storm windows.  properly installed storm windows are almost as good as double pane windows for reducing heat loss.
9. Run oven and bath vents minimally.  if you have condensation in windows, operate vents to remove cooking and bathing moisture but then turn them off.  In dry winter weather they need to be used very little.
10. Lower the thermostat on your hot water tank.  52 degree C (125 F) is hot enough for most tasks.  You can check your water temperature by carefully placing the back of your hand under a steady stream of hot water – if it is too hot to keep there, you can turn down your hot water tank.
11. Install a hot water tank blanket.  this is more important for older water tanks with less insulation.  Follow instructions and don’t cover the thermostat.
12. Use less hot water.  using less hot water directly reduces the cost of heating water.  Install low-flow shower heads and take showers instead of baths.  Wash hands in cold water and repair leaky faucets.

If you have any questions about your home heating, call 403-291-1051 and talk to one of Ram’s Furnace and Duct Cleaning specialists.

Ram Cleaning Services, Complete Cleaning and Maintenance Care, serving Calgary and area since 1967