From furnace filters to weatherstripping, to timers and security lighting, energy-efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable and functional, they can yield long-term financial rewards.

Furnace Filters

Why do I need a furnace filter?

A furnace filter protects your family, home and equipment from airborne particles. It also helps to protect and maintain your heating and cooling system, to make it more energy efficient and to save you money.

What do the MERV and MPR numbers mean?

MERV is the Minimum Efficiency Rating Value. It indicates the effectiveness of a furnace at capturing particles between 0.3 and 10 microns in diameter. These include larger particles (1-10 microns) such as mould spores, pet dander and some airborne bacteria.

The MPR or MicroParticle Performance Rating indicates the effectiveness of a furnace at capturing just those particles between 0.3 and 1 microns in diameter. In both cases, the higher rating indicates greater efficiency.

Canadian Tire carries a variety of furnace filters designed to fit most standard furnaces and to meet your specific needs, whether it be to filter out pollen and mould spores or for the purposes of dust control.

Most common types of furnace filters

• Disposable fibreglass filters: Least expensive. Designed to block only large dust and dirt particles to protect your furnace
• Pleated "allergy" filters: Use a much denser mesh material to trap particles. The pleats increase the surface area, eliminating large allergens like pollen and mould
• Premium pleated filters: Pleated design gives 50% more filtering area, in order to eliminate 92% of airborne allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander

Timers

An easy way to optimize energy consumption and add to your home's security.

In the winter, many products such as lights, outside holiday lights or even a block heater can be better utilized by using a timer. By having one that automatically turns on and off at preset times, you can save money by consuming energy only when you need it. And when you’re away, a timer can be programmed to turn lights on and off to make your home look lived in.

When selecting a timer, consider the following key factors:

• Decide whether an outdoor or indoor timer is right
• Establish whether you want to have the timer hard-wired or as a plug-in, which can be easily moved from outlet to outlet
• Determine how many programs you need for the application. Timers are available with 2 to 24 settings per day
• Decide the capacity or usage rate that you need for the application. Timers range from Heavy Duty – 1 HP to smaller, more light duty capacity
• Determine if you need more than one outlet to be controlled by the timer. There are timers with one or two outlets
• Choose a digital or mechanical interface on the timer

Security Lighting

Before the cold weather hits, help make your home more energy efficient and safer, with outdoor security lighting. Leaving an outdoor light on all night can consume more electricity than necessary. Motion-activated security lighting can save up to 90% of the electricity used by a non-motion fixture.

There are 3 types:

Stop Drafts with Weatherstripping and Air Sealing

Did you know that for the average house, up to 40% of heat loss is caused by air leaks? On a typical bill for a 2000 square foot home, it can amount to more than $700. Take charge by sealing leaks and air infiltration sources around your home and save on your heating costs this winter.

Air sealing and weatherstripping can help stop drafts and improve home comfort at a very low cost. Canadian Tire offers sealing and weather stripping products, window kits, garage door kits, rubber foams, V-shaped tapes, backer rods and caulking rods to take care of any areas that prove to be a problem. With these easy and affordable solutions, you will be able to use energy more efficiently and save money too.

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