Lifestyle

Winter Heating: Are You Prepared for the Cold Weather Months?

Winter Heating: Are You Prepared for the Cold Weather Months?People who are used to winter temperatures probably have it all figured out when it comes to heating their house. However, if you’re used to warmer climates and gearing up for your first Canadian winter, you’re probably wondering if you’re truly ready. Have no fear, this article will tell you what you need to know.

Know your options

If you were involved in the construction of your home, then you probably chose the best type of heating from the outset. Renters or those who bought houses that were also built need to be certain about the type of system which is installed. Each option has both benefits and disadvantages so you need to determine whether the heating solution you have is still the best one for you.

Two-thirds of Canadian homes utilize forced-air furnaces which are generally powered by natural gas. Other furnaces use oil or propane. These systems are widely used because they warm homes quickly and the ductwork can also be used for air conditioning when things warm up again.

They can also be modified to work as air filters, humidifier and or ventilators. On the downside, the air blowing out of the vents can be a bit drafty and it may take dust for a spin. Electric heating and hot water or hyrdronic heating are also options.

Maintain, maintain, maintain

Whether its furnaces in Oshawa, space heaters in Toronto or boilers in Hamilton, maintenance is key. If you own your home, make sure a qualified technician inspects your heating source at least once per year, preferably before it really gets cold. If you’re living in a rental, double check with your landlord or property manager to ensure a check was completed.

This will help you to identify problems at the earliest opportunity. Routine cleaning will also ensure whatever system you have is working efficiently and not compromising air quality. The thermostat should be included in these checks since you need to know if it is properly controlling the rest of the system.

Be aware of costs

There can be wide variations in costs depending on the method used. If you’re renting, these costs may already be included in your monthly payment but you should review your lease or ask your landlord to be on the safe side. If you’re a homeowner, you need to be aware that oil heating can be one of the most expensive options. According to mycanadaplan.com, oil can run you as much as $300 per month.

There are a number of things you can do to keep your heating costs down. These include lowering your thermostat when you’re leaving home for long periods, keeping windows and doors closed when the heat is on and keeping windows covered when it is dark outside. Bundling up in more clothing is, of course, also an option if you don’t want to fully crank up the heat.

Hopefully, you now feel a little more comfortable preparing for the winter months. Be sure to seek the advice of qualified personnel if you want to upgrade your heating system or just ensure it is working perfectly. Once that’s done, do your best to use the heating as efficiently as possible.

2 thoughts on “Winter Heating: Are You Prepared for the Cold Weather Months?

  1. I like your tips about knowing your options when it comes to heating your home. My sister is hoping to have a home built out in the country. She loves the idea of installing a propane tank to heat her home. She’ll want to hire a professional to come out and install it.

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