Photo: Contributed

There’s a change in the air, can you feel it? There’s a crisp, clean freshness here in Kelowna that reminds us that fall has arrived. However, amongst daydreams of Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, and changing leaves, let’s not forget the change in weather that accompanies the latter part of this cheerful season and how that drop in temperature can wreak havoc on your utility bills. The good news is, that by taking a few simple steps before the big freeze, you can create a greener, more economical and energy efficient home that can stand up to the test of temperatures.

First, ensure that your furnace and hot water heater are working at peak efficiency. An annual tune up, including a thorough inspection, cleaning, and filter change is an often overlooked, but a greatly necessary addition to the winterizing checklist. You will sleep better knowing your furnace is burning cleaner and saving energy. To help your hot water heater do the same, consider insulating both the unit itself, as well as exposed pipes. This easy investment along with turning down the thermostat on your water heater can produce significant savings on your electrical bill.

Second, if you haven’t already, pick up a programmable thermostat. You’ve spent all summer regulating your air conditioning usage, why not do the same with your heat? Automatically lowering the temperature while you are asleep or away at work, and raising it when you wake or return can dramatically decrease your home heating costs without any evident difference in temperature. 

Next, once you have successfully warmed your home in an energy efficient way, do your best to retain that heat. Over forty percent of home heat loss during colder months can be attributed to air leakage. Fix the leaks by installing weather-stripping and re-caulking around your home. Furthermore, adding an extra layer of insulation to your attic and crawl spaces can reduce further escaping heat. When doing so, take into consideration some of the greener options available to us today, including cotton, paper or oil based insulating products.

We hope that these few simple tips can help you make a more economical and energy efficient transition into the upcoming season. 

Visit Our Kelowna Real Estate website for all your real estate needs at http://www.stoneteam.com