How to save on heating bills

How to save on heating bills

According to a survey conducted for Direct Energy by Angus Reid, the majority (60%) of Ontario homeowners are concerned about managing their bills this winter. With cooler weather arriving in Ontario, many are turning on their furnaces for the first time. Beyond ensuring the heating equipment is in optimal health, Dave Walton, Director Home Ideas, Direct Energy, tells us about three energy efficiency upgrades which can make a real difference in reducing heating bills.

“Implementing three energy efficiency home upgrades can save homeowners as much as $980 on their heating bill this winter,” says Walton. “Having your furnace maintained each year is the simplest and easiest way to ensure your furnace is in optimal health. To explore other ways to keep your heating bills down, a home energy audit is a great way to determine how energy efficient your home is and what steps to take to make improvements that make a real difference to your bill.”

When looking at an average Canadian home1 a homeowner could potentially save as much as $980, or 25.9 per cent, on their annual heating bill by implementing three upgrades:

Upgrade to a high efficiency furnace:

• Replacing a conventional furnace2, with a high efficiency furnace can result in savings of up to $565 per year, or 15 per cent on heating bills

• Consumers replacing their conventional furnace2 for the first time could see an additional saving of $790 through the currently available provincial government rebate program3

Insulate – top and bottom:

• Topping up the insulation in an attic and insulating the basement can result in savings of up to $307 per year, or 8.13 per cent on heating bills

• Provincial rebates on attic and basement insulation can total as much as $1,250

Seal leaks:

• Sealing leaks with weather stripping and caulking can save up to $108 per year, or 2.9 per cent on heating bills

• Potential additional saving of up to $190 through provincial rebate program for air sealing

Another incentive to make energy efficient home improvements is the impact on a home’s resale value. “There is a lot of research that’s been conducted in the Canadian market that shows that energy efficiency is on the minds of home buyers. Energy efficient home upgrades payback in money saved on utility bills and deliver higher resale value, making it the smartest way to build value in your home,” said Chris Chopik of evolutiongreen.com and Bosley Real Estate.

For more seasonal energy saving tips please visit www.directenergy.com.

If you’d like to speak further with a Direct Energy regional representative on energy efficiency tips and hints, please contact Joel Dykstra at 416-590-3344 or joel.dykstra@directenergy.com.

1. Average Canadian home stats from the Canadian Real Estate Association, Stats Canada and Natural Resources Canada suggest the average home is: 1860 square feet, 40 years old and two stories.
Savings calculated using HOT2000 software, Natural Resource Canada’s recognized standard tool for use by trained and certified energy auditors.

2. A furnace manufactured to operate at 60% efficiency.

3. Customer may need to qualify for grants by completing a Home Energy Audit. Amount varies based on the type of equipment purchased and the area in which you reside. Direct Energy Home Services is not involved in the administration of all these programs. Customer is responsible for applying for rebates/grants directly with the appropriate government agency as specified in the program.

4 Savings calculated based on attic insulation rated as R50 or higher, and basement insulation rated R30 or R40.