MY FURNACE

In Ontario, there’s not much in our homes that’s more essential than a furnace to keep us warm all winter.

What you may not realize is that older furnaces can have energy ratings of only 60 per cent, meaning 40 per cent of your gas or oil is being wasted. In other words, 40 cents on every heating dollar is going right out the chimney. That’s not only expensive, but it wastes non-renewable fossil fuels with no benefit.

Clean, well-maintained furnaces are much easier on the air and your wallet.

Buying a Furnace

ENERGY STAR high-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of at least 90 per cent, meaning they are 50 per cent more effective than most older units. You’ll be just as warm, but your heart will also be warmed knowing your heating costs and your emissions are lower.

For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov

Home Heating Tips:

Here are some tips on how to keep your heat your house without putting undue stress on the environment:

• Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. Furnaces working at peak efficiency use less energy and are less costly to run.

• Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months — dirty filters reduce airflow, causing the furnace to take longer to heat your home.

• Lower your thermostat by 4 - 5 degrees Celsius (7 - 9 degrees Fahrenheit) for the hours of the night when you are asleep and for times when no one is home.
• Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat. You can save two per cent on your heating bill for every degree C you turn down your thermostat.

• Open south-facing blinds on sunny winter days.