Canadian winters are long, and heating is one of the more expensive items on most household energy bills. The good news is that you don’t need costly energy-efficient upgrades to make a difference. A few simple habits and inexpensive fixes can keep your home comfortable while taking some of the sting out of your monthly bill.

Here are practical ways to stay warm and spend less, starting with the easiest solution.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?

The simplest way to save is to turn down the heat when you don’t need it. Lowering the thermostat by a few degrees while you sleep or when the house is empty during the day adds up over a full heating season. Many households find a comfortable setting while they’re home and awake, then turn it down overnight and add an extra blanket.

A programmable or smart thermostat takes the guesswork out of it. Set a schedule once and it adjusts automatically, so you aren’t heating an empty house or waking up to a cold one. Some models also learn your routine or let you adjust the temperature from your phone if your plans change.

One tip: avoid cranking the heat up high to warm the house faster. Most furnaces deliver heat at the same rate regardless of the setting, so a higher number just means more time running once you reach a comfortable temperature.

How do I stop drafts around windows and doors?

Small gaps around windows, doors and other openings let warm air escape and cold air in, which makes your furnace work harder. On a windy day, hold your hand near window frames, door edges, electrical outlets on exterior walls and the attic hatch. If you feel a draft, you’ve found a spot worth sealing.

Most fixes are inexpensive weekend jobs:

  • Weatherstripping around doors and operable windows closes the gaps where they meet the frame.
  • Caulking seals stationary cracks, such as where window trim meets the wall.
  • Door sweeps block the gap at the bottom of exterior doors.
  • Foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on outside walls stop small but steady leaks.
  • Window insulation film adds a temporary layer of protection to older, single-pane windows for the season.

Don’t forget less obvious spots, like the attic hatch, a fireplace damper left open and gaps where pipes or wires enter the house.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

A clogged filter restricts airflow, so your furnace runs longer to heat the same space. Check the filter monthly during the heating season and replace it when it looks grey or dusty. Many standard filters need changing every one to three months, though your furnace manual or the filter packaging will give the best guidance for your model.

An annual tune-up by a licensed technician is also worth booking, ideally in the fall before the first cold snap. A technician can clean key components, spot small problems before they turn into costly repairs and confirm the system is running safely. While you’re at it, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Finally, keep vents and radiators clear. Furniture, rugs and long drapes that block them trap heat where you can’t feel it.

How can I keep my house warmer without turning up the heat?

Free heat is available on sunny days. Open blinds and curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun warm your rooms, then close them at dusk to hold that heat in. Heavier, lined curtains work especially well overnight.

If you have ceiling fans, switch them to run clockwise on a low setting. Warm air rises, and this gently pushes it back down into the room without creating a chilly breeze.

Rugs on bare floors, especially over unheated spaces like garages or crawl spaces, also help rooms feel warmer underfoot. If you have rooms you rarely use, such as a guest room, keeping the door closed lets you focus heat where you actually spend your time.

Are home energy upgrades worth it?

If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, bigger improvements can pay off over many winters. Common upgrades include adding attic insulation, insulating basement walls, replacing old windows and doors, and installing a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump.

A home energy evaluation is a smart first step. A certified energy advisor will assess where your home is losing heat and recommend which improvements will make the biggest difference, so you can prioritize based on your budget.

Before you start, check what support is available in your area. Federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as many utility providers, have offered rebates, grants or low-interest financing for energy-efficient upgrades. Programs and eligibility change often, so confirm current details directly with the program before you book any work.

Energy-efficient features can also add appeal when it’s time to sell, since buyers increasingly pay attention to the cost of running a home.

What else can I do to save on energy in winter?

A few more small changes round out your savings:

  • Check your water heater setting. Many are set higher than needed. Your manufacturer’s guide can help you find a safe, efficient temperature.
  • Wrap exposed hot water pipes in unheated areas like basements to reduce heat loss on the way to your taps.
  • Use a humidifier. Moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you may be comfortable at a slightly lower thermostat setting.
  • Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace isn’t in use, so warm air doesn’t escape up the chimney.
  • Dress for the season indoors. A sweater and warm socks are the lowest-cost upgrade of all.

Small steps, real savings

Lowering your heating bill doesn’t have to mean a big investment or a chilly house. Start with the easy wins, like adjusting your thermostat, sealing drafts and changing your furnace filter, then consider larger upgrades as your budget allows. Together, these steps can help keep your home cozy and your costs in check all winter long.