Winter in Canada can be tough—not just on your furnace, but on your wallet too. As temperatures drop, heating bills tend to rise. But keeping your home warm doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple adjustments, you can stay cozy while saving money all season long.
Here are five easy ways to lower your heating bills this winter:
1. Seal Drafts and Insulate
One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating costs is to keep the warm air inside where it belongs. Drafty windows and doors can let cold air seep in and warm air escape, forcing your furnace to work harder.
Try this:
– Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
– Apply caulking to seal gaps and cracks.
– Install thermal curtains for added insulation.
A little effort goes a long way in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and reducing energy waste.
2. Lower Your Thermostat (Just a Bit)
You don’t need to turn your home into an icebox to save money—but even a small temperature adjustment can make a big difference.
Pro tip: Lowering your thermostat by just 2–3 degrees Celsius while you’re asleep or away from home can cut your heating bill by up to 10%.
Better yet, install a programmable or smart thermostat to automate these changes and keep your home comfortable while optimizing energy use.
3. Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance
Your heating system works hard during the winter. Keeping it well-maintained ensures it runs efficiently and uses less energy.
Book an annual furnace tune-up with a licensed technician (like us!) to:
– Check for worn parts or leaks
– Clean or replace air filters
– Ensure safe and efficient operation
A well-maintained furnace lasts longer and uses less energy—saving you money in the long run.
4. Use Ceiling Fans in Reverse
This might sound surprising, but ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. Most have a switch that allows them to spin clockwise in the winter.
Why? When running in reverse at a low speed, fans push warm air (which rises) back down into the room, improving heat distribution without increasing your thermostat setting.
5. Add Zone Heating with Space Heaters
If you spend most of your time in just a few rooms, there’s no need to heat the entire house to the same temperature. Zone heating allows you to stay comfortable where you need it most.
Use energy-efficient space heaters to warm occupied rooms and turn down the central thermostat a few degrees. Just remember to follow safety guidelines and never leave space heaters unattended.
Bonus Tip: Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace
If your heating system is more than 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can significantly reduce your monthly heating costs. Many new models use up to 30% less energy than older systems—and rebates may be available.
Ask us at Tyee Mechanical for a free quote and we’ll help you find a solution that fits your home and your budget.
Stay Warm, Spend Less
Lowering your heating bills doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With these easy tips, you can enjoy a warm, energy-efficient home all winter long.
Need help getting your furnace winter-ready? Contact Tyee Mechanical today for expert service, honest advice, and peace of mind all season.