I was born and raised in the land of -40 temperatures but each year I’m away, it gets harder for me to brave the cold.
Colder than average temps have been chilling folks throughout Canada this winter. Environment Canada continues to predict below average temperatures for the coming weeks in much of Central and Western Canada.
Space heating accounts for about 60 percent of the average Canadian home’s energy use, but due to a cold winter, we could be using much more. So how does one keep warm without firing up the heating bill? Wouldn’t it be great if we could diminish our heating bills and still stay cozy and warm?
Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency recommends taking a look at your windows and doors to see if they are responsible for leaks and heat loss. Windows can account for up to 25 percent of total house heat loss.
Here are a few things you can do:
Assess your situation. Hunt for cold air leaks on a windy day with a stick of incense. A strong leak will blow the smoke away and make the sticks glow brightly. A smaller leak will puff the smoke in one direction or draw it in.
Get out the caulking gun. You can seal off cracks and gaps in places around windows, doors, fireplaces, exhaust fans and vents; around electrical outlets and ceiling light fixtures; and along interior trim and baseboards.
Plug up those electrical outlets. There is weatherstripping material made specifically for this purpose. It may just be the easiest and most effective thing you can do to keep the heat from escaping.
Don’t forget to ‘lock’ the door! Lock in the heat with a properly fitted door that closes firmly and doesn’t allow air to leak in on the sides, top or bottom. Apply rubber weatherstripping to skirt the door frame.
With thanks to Hydro One’s weatherstripping and caulking tips page
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