A man adjusts a thermostat, enhancing the energy efficiency of his home for optimal comfort.

How Can Homeowners In Canada Lower Their Heating Costs During Winter?

Winter in Canada is no joke. Temperatures drop well below freezing, and keeping your home warm can become expensive fast. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to stay cozy without breaking the bank. Let’s go through some practical tips to help you save on heating costs while keeping your home warm and comfortable during those frigid months.

1. Insulate Your Home For Maximum Warmth

Proper insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut heating costs. If your home isn’t insulated well, heat escapes and your furnace must work overtime. Here’s where you should focus:

  • Attic: Heat rises, and you need good attic insulation to maintain warmth. Proper attic insulation can make a huge difference.
  • Windows and Doors: Seal up any gaps with weather stripping. Drafts from windows and doors are sneaky ways for heat to escape.
  • Walls and Floors: Ensure your exterior walls and floors, especially those over unheated spaces, are well insulated.

2. Upgrade To A Modern Furnace

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. A newer furnace can save you up to 20% on your heating bills. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR® label—they’re designed to use less energy while still keeping your home comfy.

Also, remember to change the furnace filters regularly—every 1-3 months is ideal. A clean filter helps your furnace run more efficiently, using less energy and saving money.

3. Get Smart With A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can do wonders for your heating bill. By automatically lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home, you can save up to 10% annually. Bonus points if you get a thermostat with Wi-Fi – you can control it remotely with your smartphone!

Here are some ideal thermostat settings to save energy:

  • 18°C (64°F) while you’re sleeping or not at home
  • 20°C (68°F) when you're home and awake

4. Use The Sun To Your Advantage

The sun is a great (and free!) source of heat. During the day, open the curtains on your south-facing windows and let the sunlight warm your space. At night, close the curtains to keep the warmth inside. Invest in thermal curtains to add an extra insulation layer if you want to take it up a notch.

A worker installs insulation in an attic to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.

5. Seal Up Those Leaky Ducts

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of the warm air your furnace is pumping out. That’s a lot of heat (and money) lost! Sealing your ducts with mastic or foil tape can ensure more warm air gets where it should. If you’re unsure where to start, consider getting a pro to inspect and seal your duct system.

6. Install A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

An HRV helps retain heat while keeping your home ventilated. It works by transferring heat from the stale air leaving your home to the fresh air coming in, Which means you get fresh air without losing warmth, which is excellent for your energy bill.

7. Use Space Heaters—But Use Them Smartly

Space heaters can be a handy way to warm up smaller areas without cranking up the heat for the whole house. But to save energy, use them wisely:

  • Pick an energy-efficient model.
  • Only use them in the rooms you’re in.
  • Turn them off when you leave the room.

8. Layer Up With Warm Clothing And Blankets

This might sound simple, but layering up is one of the easiest ways to stay warm without turning up the heat. Throw on a sweater or grab a cozy blanket, and you’ll feel warmer even if you slightly lower the thermostat.

FAQs

  1. What’s the best temperature to set my thermostat in winter?
    The sweet spot is around 18°C (64°F) when you’re sleeping or away and 20°C (68°F) when you’re home.
  2. How often should I change my furnace filters?
    Ideally, every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter.
  3. Are space heaters an excellent way to save money?
    They can be used to heat small areas, but they are not a replacement for your central heating system.

More Tips To Save On Heating

  • Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down.
  • Seal up any unused fireplaces to prevent heat loss.
  • Lay down area rugs to add extra insulation to cold floors.
  • Close doors to rooms you don’t use often to trap heat where it’s needed most.

Cutting heating costs during Canadian winters doesn’t mean you have to live in a cold house. You can significantly reduce your heating bills with proper insulation, an energy-efficient furnace, and intelligent use of a programmable thermostat. Small actions like letting in sunlight and bundling up indoors also help keep your home warm without hiking up your energy costs.

Winter Is Right Around The Corner! 

Is your heating system ready to keep you warm without skyrocketing your energy costs? Our specialists can perform a home maintenance inspection and check for inefficiencies in your heating and cooling system. Take the first step toward a more energy-efficient home by calling (705) 722-5876 or Click Here to schedule now. And if you or someone you know needs a home inspection Barrie ON, we can help with that, too—reach out today to make sure your home is safe and efficient this winter season!