(NC) Most of the energy used by individual Ontarians goes to heating and cooling homes.
During the long and cold winter heating season, there are a number of ways to cut back and save on bills.
Enbridge Gas Distribution provides the following tips to save you a few dollars this New Year:
In the kitchen:
– turn the oven off a few minutes before the cooking time is over. The heat remaining in the oven will finish the job; and
– only preheat the oven for baking – and then, only for about seven minutes. Most foods, such as roasts and casseroles, don’t need a preheated oven to cook properly.
In the washroom:
– sing shorter songs in the shower. The average shower is about eight minutes. Try reducing to five or six;
– install energy-efficient showerheads; and
– the best temperature for your water heater is 54 degrees Celsius. That’s hot enough for washing, showers and baths, and reduces the risk of scalding.
In the basement:
– when you replace your old electric water heater, consider a tankless natural gas water heater as it heats water only as needed;
– replace the furnace filter every three months (or clean a permanent one). When the filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and the furnace must work harder, requiring more energy;
– keep vents and air returns free of obstructions. Furniture, dust, or pet hair can block vents, reducing airflow and the efficiency of the furnace.
In the family room:
– if you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use. This helps prevent cold outside air from coming down the flue and warm inside air rising out of it; and
– if you purchase a natural gas fireplace, consider a direct vent model. It uses outside air for combustion instead of drawing air from the home.
