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Heating & cooling


Here are some ways to reduce greenhouse gases (and save money) as you heat and cool your home.


Thermostat


Down in winter

During the winter, turn down your thermostat a couple degrees when you aren't home, and then again at night (it's healthier!).


Up in summer

In summer, turn the temperature setting UP (25°C instead of 20°C) on your air conditioner if you are leaving your home for the day.

Your home will be tolerably cool when you return and your cooling system will not have been working hard all day for no one. Adjust to the ideal temperature when you will be home for an extended time. Shut it off completely if you are leaving for several days.


Programmable thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the least expensive ways to lower your home heating and cooling bill. These thermostats raise and lower the temperature automatically.

In winter, you can save 3 - 4% on your heating bill by turning your thermostat down 3°C for at least eight hours every day (3). If you also set your programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature during the day while you are away at work, you will see additional savings.

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Furnace


If your furnace is more than 10 - 15 years old, it is probably a standard, 60% efficient furnace. This means that for every dollar you spend on heating, only 60 cents goes to heating your home. The other 40 cents goes right up the chimney.

Modern furnaces are 80 - 95% efficient. If you have an older furnace, replacing it with a new one will usually pay for itself in a couple of years.

In addition, Manitoba Hydro Furnace and Boiler Replacement Program offers rebates on selected ENERGY STAR qualified furnaces and boilers, so your payback is even shorter.

NOTE: Check Hydro's website for details of this program before you begin.


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Insulation


Insulation restricts the flow of heat both in and out of your home. Without insulation, even the most effective, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems will have to work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

The following is a checklist of places in your home that should be insulated:

      • Exterior walls, and walls between heated and unheated spaces (ex. attached garage)
      • Floors over unheated or outside spaces
      • Walls of a finished or heated basement
      • Rafters and knee walls of a finished attic
      • Ceilings with cold spaces above
      • Perimeter of a concrete floor slab, close to grade level
      • Exposed portion of foundation, or basement wall

NOTE: Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Home Insulation Program offers rebates on insulation materials. Check the website for details of this program. You usually need to have an energy audit done first and have your application approved before you even buy the material.


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Sealing


All the creases, crack and holes in the average home add up to a hole one and a half feet across! (1) Simple, economic solutions like caulking and weatherstripping help slow the flow of air in and out of your home, saving you money on heating and cooling. Windows can account for up to 25% of total heat loss from your home. (2)

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Blinds and drapes


If you don't have them, get them! Window coverings keep the heat of sun out during the summer days, lowering cooling costs. The same blinds and drapes trap heat inside during cold winter nights, keeping you warm and more energy-efficient.

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Air vents


Do not block heating and cooling vents with furniture or appliances. Keep vents clear for efficient, effective ventilation and climate control.

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Storm door


A storm door will protect your main door from the worst weather that Manitoba has to offer. It is an extra layer that will also reduce heat loss from your home. Choose a model with a screened, sliding window for ventilation during the warmer seasons.

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Range fan


Use your range fan while cooking.

Vent hot air from cooking outside to keep your home cooler during the summer.

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Plan your day


Plan your heat and moisture generating activities around the hottest part of the day.

Run the dishwasher in the evening. Iron as you watch the late-night news. Put a load of whites in the wash just before heading to bed. Reduce the heat load on your home - and cooling system - by scheduling hot activities during cooler parts of the day.

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Trees


Leafy trees

Plant deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side of your home for year-round savings.

The trees will provide cool shade during the summer and allow sunshine through during the winter. Choose local species -- they are adapted to Manitoba's climate and require less water and maintenance.


Evergreen trees

Plant coniferous (evergreen) trees on the north side of your home.

Thick evergreen trees will protect your home from cold winter winds. They also provide welcome shelter for winter birds.

 

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Basement door


Keep the door to the basement closed.

Even when fully finished, basements are cooler than the rest of the house. Keep the basement door closed during the winter to prevent cool air from mixing with warm air throughout the house.

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Rugs


Feet cold? Don't touch that thermostat! Laying rugs on cold floors - in the basement, the bathroom or even an attached garage - will help to insulate and make the floor (and you) feel warmer.

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Energy audit


Manitoba Hydro offers an in-home assessment service. It is a convenient way to find out what needs to be done around your home to improve comfort and energy efficiency, and to maximize energy savings.

To arrange for an assessment, contact Manitoba Hydro, toll-free at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or visit Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart Home Energy Evaluation Services.

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R-2000


Consider purchasing a home that meets or beats the federal government's R-2000 building standards.

R-2000 homes are the most energy-efficient, environmentally responsible homes available in today's real estate marketplace. (4) R-2000 homes feature

      • a whole-house, continuous ventilation system
      • more environmentally friendly materials and equipment
      • advanced heating and cooling systems
      • energy-efficient appliances and lighting
      • a "tight" building envelope to reduce drafts and heat loss
      • high levels of insulation.

For more information about R-2000 buildings, visit Natural Resources Canada's R-2000 site.