10 Heating and Insulation Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home

Most attics are insulated, but adding more insulation will dramatically reduce energy costs.

This is because heat rises. If the ceiling is cold due to insufficient insulation then the furnace will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.

• In colder areas of the country, it is recommended to use insulation with an R-value (a material's ability to resist heat flow) of R40 to R50 (13 ½" to 16 ¾" of fibreglass blanket insulation).
• Additional insulation will also help reduce air conditioning costs in the summer.

Inside, heated air rises and accumulates at ceiling level, cooling the rest of the room down. In the winter, it takes time and energy to keep the whole house warm.

To solve this problem:

• Install a ceiling fan to push warm air down and spread it evenly throughout the home.
• The central heating system won’t have to work as hard to maintain the same temperature. 

Check for drafts around doors, windows, or electrical outlets with a special wick that gives off a small amount of smoke when lit.

If the smoke blows horizontally, there is a draft.

Seal any gaps with a durable acrylic caulking product.

Air inside the home can contain dust particles that may cause discomfort to occupants. These particles can cause the furnace or air conditioner to work harder to maintain the desired temperature and even decrease the life of fan motors by getting into the moving parts.

To solve this problem:

• Change the disposable filters in your heating or air conditioning system

OR

• Clean permanent filters twice a year.

Many homes built prior to 2000 were made without a barrier inside the walls to keep wind from getting in through outlets in exterior-facing walls.

Cold air can get past wood or vinyl siding, form channels in the fibreglass batts and then find its way into the home through interior light switches and outlet boxes.

To solve this problem:

• Install vapour barriers over your electrical boxes to keep out cold air.
• You can also install socket covers.