With winter and cold weather here, you are probably now wondering what you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency. The good news, there are several things you can do, ranging from quick fixes to more serious upgrades. Here are seven suggestions from Alair Homes North Vancouver for increasing energy efficiency.

• Change your furnace filter. A dirty filter can affect your furnace’s efficiency more than you realize, as it forces it to work harder than it should. Changing your furnace filter regularly helps both you and your furnace breathe easier.
• Hang insulated window treatments. Insulated curtains will help keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer. In the cooler months, take advantage of the sun’s natural warmth and open the curtains during the day, then close them when it starts to get dark.
• Replace your windows. Old windows, especially those with single panes or aluminum frames, leak heat almost constantly. Replacing them with newer, better insulating windows will help keep your valuable heat inside.
• Upgrade household appliances. ENERGY STAR appliances are designed to do the same job as your old appliances, while using less energy. When shopping for new appliances, pay attention to the energy savings each one offers. Often they’ll pay for themselves several times over based on the savings you’ll enjoy.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set a lower temperature when you don’t need the heat as much, such as when you’re gone during the day or asleep at night. You can also get a smart thermostat system that will give you remote control and help you identify more ways to save money.
• Schedule professional seasonal maintenance on your furnace. Just like a car, your furnace needs to be checked out and tuned up occasionally, or it may lose efficiency over the years. Especially if it hasn’t been done in a while, scheduling regular furnace maintenance can improve efficiency and give you an idea of when to replace it.
• Replace your furnace. If your furnace is older, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern furnaces are far more efficient than they used to be, and upgrading to a new one can actually save you money over the long run.

If you feel like your home isn’t as energy efficient as it could be, you’re probably right. Contact Alair Homes North Vancouver today to find out how we can help.