How to Save on Your Heating Bill this Winter
When you live in Canada, it doesn’t matter how mild a winter the forecast has predicted; you need to be ready for the worst. Even if all of February is warmer than expected, you never know when January or March will bring a sudden cold front of dangerously low temperatures.
The Trials and Tribulations of Old Man Winter
If you’re not prepared for the winter season in an area like Toronto, you could end up with drafts that keep your family feeling uncomfortably chilly for months. In the worst case, a lack of proper maintenance could result in winter damage to your property that could devalue your home. These cold streaks can wreak havoc on your energy bill.
Power Tips
While there is yearly winter maintenance that you can do to help the situation, a few key upgrades can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your home barriers between indoor comfort and the great outdoors. Here are a few of the most important things to check on your home each winter:
Window and Door Upgrades
Your home’s windows are your eye on the world, but they are also representing vulnerable to insulation leaks if they are poor quality, improperly installed or getting worn out. Ensuring that you have new windows and doors in Toronto installed by a professional company will prevent heat from escaping and reduce your power consumption significantly.
Keep Track of Your Thermostat
It might be nice to walk into high temperatures every time that you return from the cold, but if this means that you’re setting your thermostat too high while you’re away from your home, you’re wasting money. Lowering your thermostat during less active hours, such as while no one is at home or while you sleep, is one of the easiest ways to lower your power bill.
Get a Smart Thermostat
If you can’t stand to enter a cold home after being away, you can always remedy the situation with new technology. Today, there are many smart thermostats on the market that work with your internet connection and are controlled by your smartphone. These can be set to energy-saving settings that have been shown to lower power consumption. They can also work on a schedule or even detect when you are leaving or arriving at home.
Get a Professional Inspection
While windows and doors are an obvious culprit, they aren’t the only places where heat might be escaping from your home. Drafts that come from other parts of your home may be more difficult to detect. Hire a professional to assess the insulation and weather-stripping on your home to ensure that you aren’t losing heat and increasing your power bill needlessly.
When you’re looking to save money on electricity costs this winter, start by checking your doors and windows for drafts. If you aren’t sure about whether you need an upgrade or want to get started on finding the best new window options for your home, contact a local door and window company.
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