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1. Figure out the useful life of your furnace

When looking for potential energy savings, it is important to consider the age and efficiency of your furnace. Older furnaces (over 15 years old) are far less efficient than those currently on the market. A furnace that is at least 15 years old, for instance, is probably running at around 70% efficiency. This represents the percentage of energy consumed by your furnace that actually gets transformed into heat. In other words, a furnace running at 70% efficiency wastes 30% of the energy it uses. Compare that to the new natural gas furnaces in residential buildings that run at 96% efficiency.

2. Choose your energy source based on its benefits and price

If you are starting to wonder whether it’s time to change your aging furnace, which appears to be consuming more and more energy, it may be time to also think about changing your energy source. To help you figure out whether you’re making the right choice, you can use our savings calculator to compare the annual costs of heating with fuel oil or natural gas. Hydro-Québec also has a tool you can use to calculate how much each of your electrical appliances consumes. This easy exercise will give you a good idea of where your money is going, and to make better energy choices!

In addition to being the least expensive source of energy, natural gas has numerous other advantages. These include ease of supply, comfort, unmatched efficiency and high-performance appliances! For example, to name just one, your water heats up much faster with a natural gas water heater than with any other type. And you should also consider that, since 2020, Gazifère has been injecting 1% renewable natural gas (RNG) into its system. Every customer has the chance to help improve the environment by opting for this 100% green energy. When you sign up to pay the RNG rate, you reduce your carbon footprint. Check our calculator to see the impact on your bill and on the environment!

3. Maintain your appliances for optimal performance

If you want your appliances such as your furnace, air conditioner, fireplace and certain types of water heaters to run clean and efficiently, you have to maintain them. This will also make them safer for your family. Arrange for regular inspection of your appliances and your ventilation and evacuation system by a certified technician. If you have central heating, change your filter at least every three months, and more often than that when doing renovations. Regular maintenance will maximize your system’s performance and ensure that you can keep enjoying the comfort your appliances provide longer!

4. Buy, install and save with a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats are much more precise and enable you to save energy because they are designed to be programmed to your habits and preferences, all for your comfort and peace of mind. A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely through a mobile device linked to a WiFi. You can also program it to start your furnace or air conditioner according to your preference. If you are a Gazifère customer and your furnace runs on natural gas, when you buy and instal a smart thermostat, you become eligible for a $100 cash incentive. What are you waiting for?