(NC)-When the sun is shining and temperatures are skyrocketing, the last thing you're probably thinking about is your heating equipment. But, according to the Canadian Oil Heat Association (COHA), the summer months are the best times to update your system and get ready for the winter months ahead.

'Homeowners often wait until the last minute to decide to improve the energy efficiency of their homes or get their heating equipment serviced or updated,' says COHA president John Butt. 'What they forget is that distributors are generally slower during the summer months which can usually result in them being more accommodating to your schedule.'

COHA recommends investing some time during the summer making sure your home is well insulated and energy efficient. The following tips will not only keep your home warm and comfortable in the winter, but they can also help keep you cool in the summer:

• Check for leaks around doors and windows
• Install a programmable thermostat. You can cut over 10 per cent from your bill if you reduce your thermostat by just five degrees overnight.
• Have your ducts cleaned. It will improve indoor air quality and airflow so your equipment doesn't have to work as hard.
• Ensure that your all your insulation is in place and covers your entire attic.
• Install storm windows.
• Move furniture away from registers. Blocked registers make your equipment work harder, therefore costing you more.
• Make sure air filters are cleaned/ replaced: This ensures maximum efficiency and a system that will work to its potential.

If a system is over 20 years old, COHA suggests that homeowners consider replacing it. Even simply upgrading to a high efficiency burner will provide savings in energy and money.

'You could experience a 20 per cent fuel saving after upgrading to a high-efficiency system,' says Butt. 'For additional savings homeowners can also ask their service providers if the nozzle on their oil-fired appliance can be downsized. Smaller nozzles allow the system to run longer while burning the same amount of fuel. This increases the operating efficiency.'

For more information on oilheat, visit http://www.newoilheat.com. For a list of dealers in your area, visit http://www.coha.ca and click Find your dealer.