13. Clean or replace your furnace's filter every two to three months. You'll help the environment and save as much as 10 per cent on your heating bill. Tip: Clean or change your filter each time you pay your bill.
14. Try high efficiency. A mid-efficiency furnace operates at 80 per cent efficiency, meaning 20 cents of each dollar goes to waste. New furnaces work at more than 90 per cent.
15. Install a programmable thermostat. Lowering the temperature at night and while you're sleeping or away could save another 10 per cent on your heating bill.
16. Upgrade an older furnace. You will save a lot of money on your heating bill and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
17. Don't heat what you don't use. Make sure you're not heating uninsulated, unihabited spaces such as garages and crawl spaces. Keep your garage door closed as much as possible, and close doors to rooms you don't use.
18. Fix poorly fitted windows. Up to 30 per cent of the heat in your home can be lost through windows and doors. Caulking just one window that's over 10 years old can save you five to 10 per cent in heating costs.
19. Improve on insulation. It's one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to cut down on your heating bill. Consider your options. In some provinces you can choose how you purchase natural gas.
20. Buy a programmable thermostat. It will help make setting temperatures easy and automatically save energy at night and when you are away from home.
21. Lock in at lower prices. Many Canadians choose to lock in their prices with a natural gas retailer for up to five years. By doing so, you don't experience the ups and downs we often see in natural gas prices, which can be a real lifesaver when the bill arrives.
This story was originally titled "Save on Fuel" in the April 2009 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!
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