As if our heating bills and energy costs in Southern Ontario weren’t enough, the Canadian “powers that be” saw fit to slap on a carbon tax to the pile. Anything we can do as residential or commercial property owners or even as renters to enhance energy efficiency is definitely worth a little bit of effort.
On Energy Star’s Checklist, they offer some valuable suggestions on where to find savings on home energy expenditures, and more specifically heating. One of their suggestions for reducing energy costs is proper maintenance of HVAC equipment. They recommend routine maintenance such as:
Change the air filter regularly – This prevents dirt and dust build up in the system. If left unchecked, this can lead to large-scale system failure. Energy Star suggests checking the filter every month, or at the very least during periods of heavy usage, such as during the summer and winter months. The recommendation is to replace the filter if it’s dirty, or if 3 months have passed since the last change.
Inspect the flue pipe – Look for any gaps, disconnections, or rusting, which can cause back-drafting.
Check furnace cycles – Make sure the system starts up, runs, and shuts off properly.
Furnace Tune Up – Energy Star suggests having a contractor inspect the entire system. An HVAC professional will have a better idea if the size of the system is suitable for the size of the house, and can provide a full inspection of the system. This includes:
Evaluating the supply and air return balance
Reattach, straighten, or detangle crushed duct work
Check for back drafting and use diagnostic tools to evaluate air flow
Check connections, pressure, and burner combustion
Cracked heat exchanger or dirty burner can cause the equipment to operate less efficiently and more importantly, less safely. Leaking oil or gas connections can also cause fires or contribute to health issues.
Seal up Duct Work – Use metal foil/aluminum tape to seal up ducts; not duct tape as it loses adhesion quickly. Access can be tricky since duct work is typically hidden inside walls, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and ceilings. Occasionally they can get disconnected altogether, or be kinked.
According to Energy Star, poorly connected ducts, holes, and leaks are responsible for up to 20% air loss, resulting in an inefficient HVAC system (and high utility bills!) even with the thermostat set modestly.
Energy Star also suggests making sure the connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet the ceiling, walls, and floors, which are common locations where leaks and disconnections occur.
Check thermostat settings – Having a good programmable thermostat is one thing, but if the connections leading to it are improperly done, this can cause you issues. A DIY thermostat mis-installation can cause having both the air and heat on the same time, essentially cancelling each other out and costing twice as much. A properly installed and programmed thermostat can save approximately $250 per year in energy costs according to Energy Star’s heating and cooling guide.
Good quality maintenance can do wonders – Energy Star says that lubing parts to reduce friction in motors reduces the amount of energy needed to run them. Inadequate lubrication can also cause equipment to wear out more quickly, therefore requiring more frequent repairs and parts replacement. Annual furnace maintenance can be wallet-friendly in multiple ways long-term for both energy and parts savings.
Choose the right equipment – The age of the furnace and the efficiency of it may be related. A furnace that works harder costs more to heat the dwelling, so if it’s old and constantly breaking down, this may be costing you. Some clients have saved up to 50% on their heating bills by simply changing their furnace. Energy Star suggests considering a furnace replacement after 10 years of use.
Check the shell or envelope of the house – Look for any leaks or gaps in the outer walls, ceilings, windows, and floors. This can save up to 20% on heating costs (and up to 10% on total annual energy bill). Sealing leaks with caulk, weather stripping, or spray foam often has a great impact. The easier the furnace runs, the less stress on it and the system, and the more savings to be had. If you choose to hire a contractor for this, be sure to ask if they have the special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and seal the hidden air leaks in the home. A home still needs a certain amount of fresh air, but in the right way. Some homes are too tight and a fresh air ventilation system may be recommended, especially when using gas appliances so that those combustion appliances are venting properly. This would also be impacting the air quality inside. An IAQ or “Indoor Air Quality” professional can measure this for you.
Add Insulation – One of the easiest ways to get big energy savings is to add insulation in an attic that needs more. One way to know is to inspect the attic and if any of the floor is uncovered or if your insulation is level or below the floor joists, you likely need to add more. The general recommended insulation by the Ontario Building code has been raised recently from R-50 to R-60 in the attic. Depending on the type of insulation used, this will determine the depth needed to obtain that R-value. Exterior walls require a different R-rating than attics. If you are unfamiliar with insulation, it’s best to get advice from a professional as there are many codes around insulation and vapor barriers..
Have baseboard heaters? Heat pumps can be a great cost saving alternatives. They provide zone heating and are often used in commercial applications, but there are great home / residential heat pumps available that are extremely efficient and a fraction of the running cost of baseboard heaters. They do not require duct work.
We are a Canadian Company! For an instant free estimate, call us at 416-410-3777 fill out the form or see our locations on our contact us page.
Comentários