Heating your home

Older, less efficient furnaces can waste as much as 50% of the energy they use. Compare that with a newer, high-efficiency model that wastes only 6%. Either way, you need to keep your furnace in good shape. Have it inspected or tuned up once a year — in the fall is best, before the winter heating season begins. You may want to have a professional do it to ensure a proper, safe inspection. The inspector will need to:

• Inspect and replace all filters. 
• Lubricate all motors. 
• Clean the burner, combustion chamber, and heat exchange surfaces. 
• Adjust the pilot and burner (if applicable). 

The inspector also will need to check:

• That the flame in the furnace is blue — a yellow or orange flame means the gas is not burning properly.
• Fan belts and blowers and adjust loose belts.
• Safety controls.
• Barometric damper operation.
• Thermostat operation and location.
• The thermocouple.
• The chimney base and flue pipe.
• The vent terminals to make sure they're not blocked.

Your thermostat

Want an easy, programmable thermostat you can manage online and that can save you as much as 10% on your energy usage? Here are some other simple tips for managing your thermostat and controlling energy costs:

• Set your thermostat at 21° C for heating and 26° C for cooling — these are the best temperatures for keeping you comfortable and for keeping your heating and cooling systems efficient.
• Set your thermostat lower for heating or higher for cooling overnight or when you're not home.
• Check, clean and calibrate your thermostat periodically to ensure it is accurate and working well.