While you might be thinking of putting off that kitchen upgrade or bathroom remodel in light of the challenging economy, there are some home improvements you may not want to postpone.

Are you in need of some effective energy-saving tips? To stay comfortable through a Southern Alberta winter, with its harsh winds and frigid temperatures, homeowners have to use their heating systems a lot. And while higher energy bills are a reality for homeowners in our region, you can control heating costs, at least to some degree, by incorporating the energy-saving measures below throughout your home.

Most of the time, your home will sail through the seasons without as much as a hiccup. It’s helpful to know, however, when a situation requires an HVAC contractor and who to call. If you see evidence of any of the problems below, you should call an expert as soon as possible:

There are several reasons a homeowner may decide to replace a furnace. If utility bills are high or the furnace requires major repairs, upgrading to a new furnace will provide relief. This scenario also gives you some time to evaluate your choices. If your furnace suddenly breaks down during winter, you’ll have less time to make a decision; however, in either scenario, it is important to consider furnace efficiency ratings.

Tankless water heaters can be a significant energy saver for homeowners because they don’t rely on a storage tank to keep water heated throughout the day. Conventional tank systems can be subject to significant standby losses, a factor that tankless systems bypass through their instantaneous ability to heat water. Before you purchase a system, be sure to take sizing factors into account.