Stay warm while spending less: Our winter heating tips

Check your home’s insulation and weathertightness

The most energy-intensive appliance in your home is your heating system. When it’s really cold out, little chinks in your home’s “armour” can make a big difference in your comfort level—and your heating bill. Before you even turn on the heat, make sure there’s nowhere cold air can get in, or heat can get out. 

• Check the weatherstripping on your doors and windows and replace it if needed.
• Replace any thermopane glass if it’s cracked or has a broken heat seal. It’s a lot less expensive than replacing all your windows.
• Cover any drafty windows with plastic film.
• Make sure any ductwork that vents outside (clothes dryer, kitchen hood, bathroom fan) seals properly.

Take advantage of other reno projects to redo your insulation, especially in the attic. If you’re considering changing your doors and windows, look for Energy Star products.

Savings Alert!

There are financial assistance programs available from the government and a number of organizations. Remember to check if you’re eligible for any home renovation grants.  

Choose the right thermostat and the right temperature and humidity settings

The first step to saving energy is getting an electronic thermostat for your heating system. Some can be programmed, some cannot, but either way they offer greater precision, which can help reduce your heating costs by 10%.

Now what’s the “right” temperature for your home? Naturally it depends on the person. But generally speaking, you can set your thermostat between 20 and 22°C—or as high as 24°C if you’re always cold. Remember to lower the temp at night, and even during the day in rooms you don’t use (18 or 19°C is good).

Consider checking and adjusting the humidity in your home as well. You may not realize it but it can make a huge difference in your comfort, your health, and the health of your home!

Hire a trusted professional for your annual heating system maintenance

Central heating systems need to be serviced every year (except electric systems, which only need to be checked every three to five years). Call a qualified service provider and you can rest easy.

But beware of fast, cheap deals where the technician is in and out in 20 minutes! A proper job should take two to three hours to complete.

Small jobs you can do yourself to keep your system in top condition

You don’t need to be a professional to use the following money-saving tricks:

• Hot water system: Bleed out any excess air from your radiators using the knob on top and insulate any pipes that travel through unheated space.
• Forced air: Regularly clean or replace the air filter and make sure duct joints are well sealed so no heat is lost in transit.
• Heat pumps usually have little to gain from major annual cleaning, at least in their first few years of service. You can easily clean the coils (yearly) and filters (at the beginning of each season) yourself according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But after five years, get the motor and blowers inspected and lubricated and check the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant.
• Electric baseboards and convectors require minimal maintenance. Simply give the heating element (and the blower, if yours is a fan heater) a vacuum once a year to clear any dust. Always remember to disconnect the unit before cleaning it.

Add an extra heat source if needed

In the frozen depths of winter you may need a little extra help. A space heater can quickly warm up a room. A fireplace can also make things toasty, add a little ambiance, and keep you warm if the power goes out.

Inform your insurer if you make any changes to your heating system

If you decide to update your heating system or add a fireplace or other heating unit, inform your insurer. It shouldn’t have much of an impact on your home insurance premium but you’ll be covered if anything happens.