Heat & Cool

“A space heating system can use up to 60% of your homes energy, so choosing the right system is very important. Furnaces are now up to 96% efficient which means it may be more cost efficient to replace your existing furnace rather than repair it. There are also many more options that are even more energy efficient, such as Ground or Water Source Heat Pumps, Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar Heating and more.”

Heating and Air Conditioning Tips

The largest portion of most hydro bills is attributed to controlling temperature. An energy efficient heating and cooling system can significantly contribute to savings on your hydro bill and may improve the comfort in your home. When shopping for a new heating or cooling system, be sure to take into consideration the equipment costs, costs of fuel, fuel delivery, warranties and any predictable maintenance costs over the life of the equipment.

Install programmable thermostats or timers to give you better control when the heat or air conditioning is on. Programmable thermostats also will help you control the temperature you want to maintain.
Ensure that the hole in the wall behind the thermostat is insulated. Install your thermostat out of direct sunlight and away from cold air or drafts.
Every few months remove the thermostat cover and dust it gently with a soft brush.
On hot days, close the door and draw the curtains and/or shades to keep the sun out. During the heating season, take these same steps at night and during unoccupied periods to help your building retain heat.
Weatherize your building by installing awnings, solar window shade screens or sun-control window film, and applying a heat-blocking coating to your roof.
Perform regular maintenance to keep your heating and air conditioning systems running more efficiently.
When turning the thermostat on, do not switch it to a colder setting than required. It will not cool the room any faster.
Remember that heating costs will rise about 5% for every degree above 20° C (68° F) that you set the thermostat.
If you have a heat pump, avoid manual setting thermostats. Adjusting the thermostat more than a few degrees at a time turns on the auxiliary heating, which uses more energy than the heat pump alone. Switch to a programmable thermostat.

Recommended thermostat settings for a comfortable environment are:

21° C (70° F) when home relaxing
20° C (68° F) when working or exercising
18° C (64° F) when sleeping
16° C (61° F) when away for an extended period of time.

Heating Systems

Electric and Quartz Heaters

Quartz heaters use fragile mineral quartz rods as a heating element, while ordinary heaters use coil wires. Look for an automatic shutoff in case the unit tips over. Also, be sure that the outside of the unit stays comparatively cool to reduce fire and burn hazards. With any space heater, keep the unit away from drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials. Look for a UL listing or approval from another recognized testing authority, and make sure your insurance covers the use of the heater you choose.

Heat Pumps

One of the most energy efficient systems for heating and cooling is the heat pump, which can be used in both the summer and winter months. During the heating season, the heat pump extracts the warmth from the outside air and brings it into your home. When set in cooling mode, the process is reversed by taking the heat from the inside of your home and releasing it outside.

An air source heat pump is the most common type and is used in conjunction with a back up heating system. For especially cold periods, it is more efficient for the back-up furnace to provide the source of heat. You could save up to 30% of your annual heating cost by using an air source heat pump as opposed to electric resistance heating. For summer cooling, the costs are similar to those of central air conditioning.

The most efficient type of heating and cooling system available is the ground/water source heat pump. This type of heat pump gets the heat from a circuit of pipes buried within the ground, which are picking up the natural heat of the earth. In the summer, the process is reversed when the heat and humidity are drawn from the house to provide a cooler environment. If you have a well, pond, stream or lake, consider this heating source - it could cut your heating bills by up to 65% and reduce air conditioning by 25%. You could also save on water heating costs by 50%, by providing free heat for the hot water tank, swimming pool, hot tub, or spa.

Forced Air Systems

In this type of system the furnace delivers heated air blown by a fan through ducts in your home.

Benefits:

Heat is rapidly distributed.

Air is continually circulating.

The ductwork allows for the addition of air conditioners and humidifiers.

Maintenance:

Remove and clean the air filter every few months - be sure to turn off the power.

Vacuum floor grills. Don't obstruct heat outlets and cold air returns with carpet and furniture.

Don't use plastic heat deflectors - changing the airflow could create drafts and condensation.

Hydronic or Hot Water Systems

These types of systems circulate hot water or steam from a central boiler through pipes to radiators located throughout the house.

Benefits:

Boilers are more compact; thus they are used when space is limited.

Zone heating is possible.

Maintenance:

When the heating season begins, open the air release valve on the radiator until the water starts to flow and then close the valve. Make sure that the circulating pump is operating.

Electric Room Heaters

This type of heating can include baseboard heaters, forced air wall inserts, floor inserts and cabinet convector heaters. Each of them is designed for specific areas in your home.

Benefits:

Little maintenance is required.

They provide temperature control for each room.

Convenient for homes that don't have a basement or crawl space.

Maintenance:

Turn baseboards off when they are not being used.

Keep flammable materials away from unit.

Vacuum occasionally.