Spend a little bit of money on your Kamloops home and save a lot on your home energy bills. Here are some tips on cutting your energy costs year round.
A lit fireplace sucks furnace-heated air up the chimney, which is replaced by cold air that comes in the opposite direction through the same opening. Turn the thermostat down and close your damper when it’s not in use.
Soot buildup, dusty fans and loose fan belts can add hundreds of dollars to your heating costs each year. Have your furnace tuned up regularly by a heating contractor, this can save up to 10 percent on heating bills.
Heating water makes up about 11 percent of our utility bills. Switching your unit for a more efficient storage model could save you 10 to 20 percent on heating bills.
Small changes can make a big difference.
Maintenance Matters
Air filters, included on all forced air furnaces, remove dirt and lint from heated air. This keeps the fan, heat exchanger and air conditioning coil clean. It also helps clean the air of your home as air circulates through the system. The air in houses in Kamloops and area can be very dusty due to the low humidity, and filter maintenance is essential to keeping your home healthy.
Maintenance is based on the type of filter, how often the unit is running and how you use your home. The three basic types of filters are media, electronic and electrostatic.
The standard filter on most furnaces is a 1-inch thick media filter, usually made of fiberglass. This filter should be changed when visibly dirty – usually every month or two, depending on the quality of the filter and the amount of dirt in your home’s air. Children, pets, plants and activity tend to produce more dirt that finds its way into the heating system.
Filters are designed to be installed with one particular side facing the air stream. Most filters have directions or an arrow telling you which side should be installed toward the furnace.
Todd Hrycenko, Global Property Inspections Phone: 250-371-2787 ac.cbipgnull@ddot
Saturday, October 30, 2010: 10:30-12:00, 152-2400 Oakdale Way, Westsyde $64,900
Saturday, October 30, 2010: 12:30-2:00, 526 Battle Street West, South Kamloops West End $429,900
Solid Sahali home in nice & quiet family area. Huge fenced yard & lots of parking. Numerous updates include roof, paint, flooring, bathroom, kitchen, newer appliances & more. Large sundeck in the backyard. Tons of storage in the crawl (about 400 sq.ft.). Large open kitchen, living room & dining room layout. 2 gas fireplaces. Within walking distance to Albert McGowan Park, schools & transportation. Don’t miss out on this great home!
This great Valleyview family home is located in a highly sought after location near schools, transportation, shopping and within minutes of downtown Kamloops. The property is 12, 000 square feet, and has tons of room for a large detached shop and/or pool. There is access to the backyard and RV parking. Inside there are original hardwood floors in good condition, updates to the furnace, main floor windows, paint and bathrooms. There is central A/C. Priced at $340,000.
