Energy Efficiency Tips for the New Year
After the holidays are over, it’s not uncommon for us to feel like we’ve overindulged – and not just when it comes to eating. If your energy bill was looking a little inflated over the holidays, try some of these great ways to save energy in the new year.
1) Get a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats aren’t just convenient – they can also save you up to 10% on your heating bill. You can set it to the exact temperature at which you and your family are most comfortable. In hot or cold spells, your programmable thermostat will run at a consistent temperature, so there’s no need to adjust it. Plus, you can program them to run at a lower temperature when you’re at work.
2) Use the Sun’s Warmth to Your Advantage
Even in the cold winter months, we still experience a few sunny days. Use that to your advantage by keeping your windows and blinds open during the day. This will allow the sun’s warmth and energy to enter your home, and even the couple of degrees of difference can add up to savings on your next energy bill.
3) Use Energy Star Products
Energy Star-certified products all use technologies that make them 10-15% more energy efficient than standard models. And you can find Energy Star products for use throughout your home, including:
- Heating & cooling equipment
- Appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.)
- Water heaters
- Electronics
- Lighting & ceiling fans
- Building products (windows, doors, insulation)
The money you spend on upgrading your home with Energy Star products will pay for itself with the savings on your energy bills.
4) Get Professional Furnace Maintenance
With our cold southern Ontario winters, our furnaces get a lot of use. And keeping them well maintained is the key to making sure they last longer and continue to work as efficiently as possible. Most furnace manufacturers recommend maintenance at least once a year, and sometimes twice: in the fall and in the spring. You should also be replacing your furnace filters throughout the year to make sure you’re getting the most out of your unit.
Does your furnace need maintenance? Contact TAME Group Heating and Cooling in Cambridge!
