Direct Energy report card finds majority aren’t doing simple things that could save energy and reduce heating costs
With cold weather on the horizon and fluctuating natural gas prices, a report card released today by Direct Energy shows many Alberta homeowners aren’t heating their homes properly and efficiently. While homeowners score well in a couple areas, including having at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector (79%) and a programmable thermostat (78%), they’re not making the grade when it comes to knowing the most efficient indoor temperature (39%), changing furnace filters (62%) and conducting fall furnace maintenance (26%).
"While it’s encouraging to see most Alberta homeowners have a programmable thermostat and CO detector, there’s a lot of room for improvement when it comes to heating their homes efficiently," said Joshua Orzech, Director, Direct Energy Home Services Alberta. "Energy efficiency upgrades and improvements do not have to be daunting tasks, there are many simple steps homeowners can implement to reduce their energy bills and save in the long run."
Direct Energy commissioned a survey of Alberta homeowners who have a forced air heating system to determine their energy efficiency knowledge and behaviours. Grades are based on the proportion of respondents who indicated agree or disagree, yes or no and/or replied correctly to a specific question. A higher frequency of respondents who understood or agreed with an energy efficient activity led to a better grade.
|
Alberta homeowners who: |
Score |
Grade |
|
Have a programmable thermostat |
78% |
B |
|
Have at least one carbon monoxide detector in their home |
79% |
B |
|
Agree the next furnace they buy will be more energy efficient |
77% |
B |
|
Change their furnace filters at least every three months |
62% |
C |
|
Know that the most energy efficient indoor temperature in the winter is 21-23°C |
39% |
F |
|
Plan to check seals around windows this fall |
30% |
F |
|
Plan to have professional furnace inspection and tune-up this fall |
26% |
F |
One of the worst grades Alberta homeowners received was on their intention to have their furnace maintained and inspected this fall. Direct Energy advises homeowners to have their furnace professionally inspected by a licensed technician every year before the winter to ensure it’s in proper working order to avoid costly repairs. In many cases annual service is required by furnace manufacturers to keep the warranty valid. Proper furnace maintenance can also reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Homeowners scored a bit better when it comes to changing furnace filters, with 62 per cent changing them at least every three months. Orzech notes that changing filters is a simple step that can cut energy costs. "Filters play a big role in how efficiently your furnace runs. By making sure you regularly change or clean them, you can save approximately $50 each year on your energy bill." Be sure to check the type of filters you have as some require more or less frequent replacement.
Another area where Alberta homeowners need improvement is in sealing leaks around their home’s windows. An easy clue when checking for air leaks is to look for spider webs around the window.
"Heat from your home escapes out of cracks around your windows, doors and electrical outlets," said Orzech. "By sealing the leaks you can save up to 20 per cent on your heating bill and the cost of materials is under $2. For greater savings add clear plastic sheeting to older windows to cut down on drafts."
Direct Energy offers the following tips to improve energy efficiency this fall and winter:
Replace or clean furnace filters every three months to ensure your furnace works properly and to improve your home’s air quality
Have the furnace inspected and maintained in the fall to ensure it works safely and efficiently for the winter
Program your thermostat to raise and lower the temperature in your home automatically so you’re not heating the home when you don’t need to. You can save up to four percent on your heating bill by programming your thermostat to a lower temperature at night and after you leave for work
Check attic insulation and ensure there’s a minimum of at least 12 inches. Anything less, you should consider topping up to an R50 insulation value
Set ceiling fans to turn in a clockwise direction to push the warm air down in to the room
Using a humidifier will make the air feel warmer, allowing you to turn down the thermostat
About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is North America’s largest provider of heating & cooling, plumbing and electrical services and a leading energy and energy-related services provider with over six million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit http://www.directenergy.com
About the survey
From August 20th to August 27th, 2014 an online survey was conducted among 505 Albertans who are house owners that have a forced air heating system run by natural gas or electricity. Respondents are also Vision Critical Canadian Community panel members. The margin of error —which measures sampling variability— is +/- 4.4%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
