Contact Dykstra Knight to ensure your roof is in top condition before winter arrives, there are a number of ways you can save energy and hence money on bills this winter.

Energy bills tend to rise during the colder months. By following these tips, you will reduce your bills and help the environment at the same time.

• Adjust your Thermostat – have your home thermostat set no higher than 21C while you’re at home. Reduce it to 18C when you’re sleeping, and set it to 16C while you’re not at home. If you are comfortable to do so, set it a little lower (and throw on a sweater!) – for every degree lower you set your thermostat, you’ll reduce your heating costs by as much as 5%.
• Use an energy-efficient humidifier to maintain a humidity level of 30-40%. This will make your home feel warmer, as the air that is moist retains heat much better than dry air. This will also help prevent winter issues such as dry skin and nosebleeds.
• Open blinds and curtains on a sunny day but remember to close them when the sun shifts away or sets.
• Avoid heating unnecessary areas like garages, unused rooms, and storage sheds. Close doors to keep warm air in areas that you do use.
• If you have ceiling fans in your home, set them to run clockwise at low speed. This will circulate warmer air from the ceiling down into the room.
• If you have hardwood or tile floors, use rugs in winter to keep the room a little warmer and cosier.
• Do you really need that second refrigerator? Many of us have a beer fridge in the basement or garage – it is a huge energy user and by getting rid of it you can save hundreds of dollars every year. At the very least, during the coldest months, consider switching it off.
• Check your furnace filter to make sure it is clean and hence runs at peak performance. If your furnace is old, upgrade to an energy-efficient new model.
• Don’t block air vents with furniture placed atop them.
• Keep the damper on your fireplace closed when it’s not in use, so as not to lose warm interior air up the chimney.

Make sure you call Dykstra Knight Roofing & Renovations to carry out regular maintenance on your roof. By keeping on top of roof issues, you’ll not only save money and heartache by preventing significant damage; you’ll also keep winter outside and save energy at the same time.