Home Improvements

1 Weatherize your home
From windows to doors to insulation and weather stripping. Don’t forget to seal your ducts.
2 Insulate your pipes
It will prevent costly heat loss and may even allow you to slightly reduce the temperature setting on your hot water tank.

3 Insulate your hot water heater
Buy a pre-cut jacket or blanket for $10–$20. You’ll save up to 10% on heating costs. 
4 Install a programmable thermostat
Set it lower at night and during the day when you’re away. Lower the temperature. Each degree below 20C saves you 3-5% on heating costs.
5 Replace your furnace filter
This optimizes performance, as clogged filters reduce airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder.
6 Use curtains
In the daytime during summer, close to help cool your home. 
7 Install ceiling fans
The energy it takes to run a fan is less than an air conditioner. In summer, make sure the fan’s blades are rotating anti-clockwise for a cooling effect. In winter, the fan should be running clockwise, pushing the warm air down. 
8 Use an electric fan
Skip the air conditioning.  On hot summer days, place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool down.

Source:  Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver