As the temperature outside drops, your energy consumption will climb. Once winter weather sets in, the preparations you made during the autumn will really start to pay off. There are still lots of things you can do inside to improve our home’s energy efficiency.

WINTER CHECKLIST

1) check for drafts around windows, doors and electrical outlets. Installing an outlet and switch sealer kit will prevent cold air from entering through electric outlets and switches.

2) open you curtains and blinds to let the sun warm the room, and then close them at night to reduce heat loss through windows.

3) temperature levels in your home are a matter of individual choice, but the most commonly recommended settings are 20C (68F) during the day, 18C (64F) for sleeping and 16C (61F) when you are away from home.

4) use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature settings.

5) properly humidified air feels warmer and allows you to turn your thermostat down. During the hearing season, the relative humidity in your home should be no higher than 30% and no condensation on your windows. In bitter cold weather, the humidity will need to fall below 30% to prevent condensation on windows.

6) replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.

7) close the heat registers in unused rooms and close the door.

8) an uninsulated basement has a high heat loss so adding interior insulation will help improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.

9) clean or replace furnace filters.