A Very Important Label
BUY ENERGY STAR, SAVE MONEY
use at least 6 percent less energy. For oil furnaces, that number increases to 9 percent. There is also a “Most Efficient” level, which requires an even higher standard of efficiency. To earn this recognition, a product must be the best in its class for energy consumption.
If you’ve purchased a home appliance in recent years, you may have noticed a badge that has nothing to do with the brand of the product you’ve chosen. This badge, which shows up on everything from refrigerators to washing machines, alerts you to the fact that you are buying an energy-efficient product. It’s called ENERGY STAR, and it can save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to residential furnaces. ENERGY STAR certification is a voluntary program that both the Canadian government and manufacturers participate in. It helps fight climate change, encourages companies to create efficient products, and will save you money on your bills. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, you should consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR- certified unit. On average, space heating accounts for 63 percent of energy costs in Canadian homes, far more than any other source. Opting for an ENERGY STAR furnace, then, can end up making a big difference. To achieve the ENERGY STAR designation, a gas furnace must
Some companies also include an EnerGuide label that shows the product’s consumption rates as compared to similar products. For all of these certifications, strict testing is mandated by the government, so you can be sure it’s not just hollow marketing. At Lewis MacLean, we believe that quality heating doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy costs. We also offer maintenance checks to guarantee your furnace is running smoothly long after your initial purchase. We wholeheartedly support the ENERGY STAR initiative, and we want to help you save on heating costs. Call us today to ask about ENERGY STAR options for your home.
Sausage and Barley Soup
It’s a great time of year to warm up with a cup of soup, and this comforting, guilt-free dish comes together in a flash.
INGREDIENTS
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1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Italian- style stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped 1/4 cup uncooked quick- cooking barley 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach tomatoes, and barley to sausage in pan. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts.
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Cooking spray
6 ounces turkey breakfast sausage
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2 1/2 cups frozen bell pepper stir-fry
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2 cups water
DIRECTIONS
LEAVES FALL ACORNS WIND TREES APPLES PUMPKINS MAPLESYRUP
SCARECROW CORN RAKE SQUIRREL HAY TURKEY
3. Add stir-fry puree,
1. Heat a large saucepan
over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat.
2. While sausage cooks, place stir-fry and 2 cups
water in a blender; process until smooth.
Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com.
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604-532-9625 •
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