All of our windows are proudly made in Canada. 
If you’re like most of us, your bill tends to spiral upwards during the dead of winter or in the middle of a heat wave each summer.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you lower those bills each month and eliminate the potential for power bill shock.
Sometimes the simplest fixes have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Here are 5 tips to follow when you really want to make a noticeable impact.
Tip 1: Insulate your home. Chances are your home has inadequate insulation in certain areas. Did you know that the city of Vancouver can help you learn how to do a home energy audit yourself? You’ll be able to find out where your home is losing energy and add extra insulation to your least efficient areas.
Since the attic is a weak spot for most homes, it can be helpful to blow more insulation into the attic, which tends to be inexpensive. Also make sure your weather stripping and caulking is intact around doors and windows.
Tip 2: Install a programmable thermostat. If your furnace or air conditioner runs non-stop because your old thermostat only has two settings (on or off), you need to look into purchasing a new thermostat. It is fairly easy to replace the old thermostat with one you can program to turn off while you’re away from home. Newer thermostats can also cycle on and off more efficiently during the night or during peak-use hours.
Tip 3: Set your water heater to a lower temperature. You can still have hot water for your shower or for running the dishwasher without setting it to a scalding temperature. The “warm” setting is usually more than enough, and it’s safer if you have small children at home. Saving energy is a great bonus.
Tip 4: Try compact fluorescent bulbs. Today’s compact fluorescents are not the same as the flickering bulbs of yesteryear. They turn on immediately and come in a range of options—some imitate natural light, while others have brighter levels for task lighting. Over time, they pay off in lower energy costs and longer bulb life.
Tip 5: Replace drafty old windows and doors. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re losing the bulk of your energy through your windows and doors. Sometimes a good caulking job or improved weather-stripping can help temporarily, but when it comes to real energy efficiency, those foggy old windows and uninsulated doors may have to go. Your friends at RetroTeck are always ready with great window options that last.
Follow these tips and you’ll soon be on your way to improved energy efficiency today and for years to come. For more information on windows and doors, contact RetroTeck Window in Vancouver, BC.