Canadians are struggling with high heating costs. Tips include improving air exchange, energy audits, and transitioning to efficient heat sources. Learn how to save on heating by using smaller devices strategically and maintaining a minimum temperature. Explore the process of arranging energy audits and federal incentive programs. Renters can address heating concerns with legal requirements and practical solutions like thermal coverings. Expert advice includes enhancing home energy efficiency with heat pumps and planning for future energy requirements.
Addressing efficient heating methods is crucial to alleviate financial strain on homeowners.
Energy audits help identify key areas for home improvement, such as insulation and heating systems, for enhanced efficiency.
Deep dives
Inefficient Home Heating Costs
Homeowners struggle with the unpredictability of heating costs, exacerbated by climate change. As average Canadians incur over $1,100 annually in space heating expenses, Joe from Nova Scotia symbolizes the financial strain many face. Statistics reveal the widespread challenges, with one in seven Canadians sacrificing essentials to afford heating. Increased energy consumption costs and delayed bill payments underscore the urgency of addressing efficient heating methods.
Efficiency Through Home Energy Audits
Violet Copperson, a home energy advisor, emphasizes the significance of energy audits to enhance home efficiency. Through audits, experts identify critical areas for improvement such as insulation levels and heating systems. By utilizing tools like blower doors to analyze energy leaks, homeowners can prioritize upgrades to lower energy consumption. Recommendations from audits can inform cost-effective measures to enhance heating efficiency.
Transition to Heat Pumps for Efficiency
Heat pumps emerge as a viable option for cost-effective and energy-efficient heating solutions. They offer dual functions of heating and cooling, replacing traditional furnaces for improved efficiency. Although initial costs range from $7,000 to $14,000, rebates and efficiency savings make them a long-term investment. Heat pumps present a sustainable alternative with potential energy savings and reduced emissions compared to conventional heating systems.
Matt is struggling to keep up with the cost of heating his home. And he's not alone, Canadians are reporting higher energy consumption costs across the country.
Jordan calls Violet Kopperson, a registered energy advisor from the Windfall Ecology Centre, to find out how Canadians can pay less to heat and cool their homes.
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