Feeling the heat
It's been a long, cold winter across Newfoundland and Labrador. It's sent us scrambling to put on a sweater. Not to mention looking, and then doing the double-take, when we see those big numbers on our power and fuel bills. So how do we get those numbers, and the cost of heating, down in our homes — especially as the government and utilities tell us to "conserve, conserve, conserve?"
The CBC's Peter Cowan took a tour through a downtown St. John's house with Gerry Locke and Brad Dunn. They're energy advisors with AmeriSpec — a home inspection company. See where the heat goes in a typical house, and find out how you can keep it in.
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Walls & Attic
×Heat rises and that's where many homes lose a lot of heat.
Quick Fix: The hatch to an attic is often a weak point. A strip of foam can help seal in the heat.
Windows & Doors
×People often think think they need new windows. Where do the leaks come from?
Quick Fix: A can of spray foam can often be used to seal some leaks.
Electrical Outlets
×They're often overlooked, but those little outlets can leak out lots of hot air.
Quick Fix: Foam gaskets cost as little as 50 cents each and will help seal your outlets.
Fireplace
×It's supposed to help heat your home. But when it's not in use, a fireplace can suck out your heat.
Quick Fix: Insulation inside a plastic bag stuffed in the chimney will stop the air from being sucked out. Just don't forget to take it out before you light your fire!
Furnace
×It keeps you warm, but an old furnace can be sending money up the chimney. Is electric really cheaper than oil?
Quick Fix: An efficiency test done by a technician can tell you if your furnace is burning money or just humming along efficiently.
Basement
×Even if you don't spend time down there, your basement could be sucking away your heat.
Quick Fix: Filling many small leaks with spray foam can add up and make a big difference to keeping the heat in.