Environmental Issues in Northern Ontario
Heating your space
Install a ceiling fan
Change the direction of the fan to push warm air down in the winter.
This especially benefits houses with electric baseboards or high
cathedral ceilings. If you need a fan with lights, choose one with
compact fluorescent lights to further reduce electricity use and heat
buildup in summer.
Install one of today’s energy efficient furnaces
It can save you up to 25% of your home heating costs each year, reduce
your GHGs and, depending on the efficiency of your old furnace, pay you
back for its higher initial cost in about seven years.
Install storm windows
If your current windows are single-glazed, storm windows will add an
extra layer of protection. Windows can account for up to 25% of total
house heat loss.
Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the day in summer
This helps keep your home cooler.
Keep window curtains open during the day in winter
This allows passive solar energy into your home and can save you up to
5% on home heating. Close the curtains in the evening.
Keep your furnace well maintained
Keep your furnace well maintained and change or clean furnace filters
every couple of months. Dirty air filters block airflow and can damage
the heat exchanger. Visit CMHC for more information.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on on windows and sliding glass doors.
These energy-efficient products reduce energy costs and create less
condensation. Visit EnergyStar.
Lower your thermostat
For every 1°C (2°F) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% on your
heating bill. A reduction of 3°C (5°F) at night and when you are away
during the day provides optimal savings.
Remove window air conditioners for the winter
Remove window air conditioners for the winter. If they are fixed in
place, seal them with caulking or tape and cover them with an airtight,
insulated jacket to avoid heat loss.
Replace exterior doors
Replace exterior doors in poor repair with insulated core doors or add
storm doors.
Seal and insulate warm air-ducts
Aluminum duct tape can easily seal leaks and reduce duct air leakage by
up to 25%. Insulation can also reduce heat loss from unheated areas,
such as the basement or crawl space.
Shut off the pilot light
Shut off the pilot light of your natural gas fireplace or wall heater
during summer months. If you don’t know how to relight the pilot light,
ask your heating contractor to show you during your next servicing.
Upgrade your insulation
Upgrade your insulation in walls, the basement and attic. Insulating
your basement walls and attic can reduce your energy bill by as much as
30%.
Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks
Get a professional to help you reduce your home heating needs by up to
20% by getting rid of drafts and leaks around windows, doors, baseboards
and attic hatches. At the same time, seal electrical outlets and
switches on outside walls with foam gaskets; on inside walls, use
childproof plugs or combination cover plates
Tips supplied by the Government of Canada
