An annual checkup for your home—and your energy use

(NC)—Your doctor insists on seeing you at least once a year. But have you considered the same sort of schedule for your home's general health?

After the coldest winter in the last 35 years, this spring and summer make the perfect time to go through an annual checklist of items, ensuring your home's overall energy efficiency. According to the Ontario Natural Gas Alliance, investing minimal time can translate into maximum savings on household bills. In 2013, average natural gas residential customers in Ontario saved about $500 on their bills, compared to 2008.

According to ONGA, a simple checklist every year can identify wans to potentially save money and keep your home humming, energy-wise. Keeping natural gas' affordability in-mind is another way to help achieve cost savings.

Light it Up

Check all light sources to ensure that you're using energy efficient bulbs, and replace wherever possible. Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs may cost more at the outset, but they will often last at least 10 times as long vs. standard filament bulbs, and use up to one-fifth the energy.

Get Down Low

Baseboards and vents are prime spots for air leakage. And when you spend hard earned dollars heating and cooling your home, the last thing you want is to see that money flow outside. Check that baseboards are caulked properly, where the trim meets the wall and the floor.

Seal the Deal

Like baseboards, improperly sealed windows and doors can be a source of leaked energy savings. Ensure that trim work is caulked and weather-stripped on all sides. Consider replacing a mail slot with an exterior mailbox.

Switch for savings

If natural gas is available in your area, consider taking advantage of the fuel to heat your home and for items such as your water tank and even your clothes dryer. With natural gas prices expected to remain low and affordable for decades to come, a natural gas-powered dryer can help save up to 75 per cent compared to models that run strictly on electricity.

For more information, visit www.cleanandaffordable.ca

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