Stay warm and manage your utility bill with home heating tips!
With the official arrival of winter weather, it's time to focus on keeping your home warm while managing your utility bills. This week, we’re here to provide tips and resources to help you keep your home cozy and energy-efficient, all while managing heating costs during the next cold months.
Why focus on heating efficiency?
Did you know your home's heating typically accounts for over 60% of your annual energy costs in Ontario? By making a few changes, you can significantly reduce energy consumption and save money on your utility bills. This also translates to a positive impact on the environment, as less energy use means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Easy ways to save on heating costs:
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Adjust your thermostat: Lowering your thermostat by even a single degree can result in energy savings. Natural Resources Canada recommends programming your thermostat to 17°C when sleeping or away from home and 20°C when awake and at home.
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Consider using a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats optimize your home's heating and cooling by adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. They provide insights into energy usage and can be controlled remotely via your smartphone. Learn how to apply for a smart thermostat credit.
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Maintain your furnace: Ensure your furnace operates efficiently by cleaning or replacing the filter regularly and scheduling an annual tune-up.
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Improve insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain warmth during winter and keep your home cool during summer. Insulate walls, roofs, and floors, and seal gaps or cracks to reduce energy loss.
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Seal drafts: Drafts from gaps around doors, windows, and ducts can account for significant heat loss—up to 80% in some cases. Use weatherstripping and caulking to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
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Utilize natural sunlight: Open curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally. This simple step not only saves energy but also adds a cheerful ambiance to your space.
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Adjust ceiling fans: Run ceiling fans in reverse during winter to push warm air down from the ceiling. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature while reducing heating costs.
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Use space heaters wisely: Space heaters are excellent for warming specific areas. Use them in occupied rooms and turn them off when leaving to avoid wasting energy.
Enter to win a home heating energy savings kit!
Head over to our Facebook page from Dec. 12 to 18 to participate in a quiz about energy saving and enter for a chance to win a home heating energy savings kit, including a smart thermostat! The winner will be announced on Dec. 19 at noon. Before participating, please read the contest rules.
Other ways to manage your utility bill this winter
Rebates and incentives
Peak Perks Program
The Save on Energy Peak Perks participants maximize savings through their smart thermostats by engaging in short, time-limited thermostat adjustments during high electricity demand periods, often seen on scorching summer days.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan assists Canadians in enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of their residences. This program provides interest-free financing to support homeowners in undertaking significant retrofits as advised by their energy consultant.
Energy Affordability Program
The Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program customizes energy-saving enhancements to suit your home's unique requirements, and it comes at zero cost to you. A more energy-efficient home translates to increased comfort and extra savings in your pocket. Achieving energy efficiency is made easy through the Energy Affordability Program.
The Energy Affordability Program is now offering free cold climate air source heat pumps to income-eligible households with electric heating.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
The Natural Resources Canada Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program assists Canadian homeowners currently using oil for heating in transitioning to electric heat through the installation of a cold climate air source heat pump system. This change can result in substantial annual savings on heating expenses and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Monthly credit on the bill
The Ontario Electricity Support Program, or OESP, provides ongoing assistance directly on the bills of eligible low-income electricity consumers.
Customers can apply or reapply online at OntarioElectricitySupport.ca, or by contacting or by contacting United Way Simcoe Muskoka for application information and assistance at 1-855-487-5327.
Equal payment plans
Spread your utility costs evenly across the year with our Equal Payment Plan. Pay the same amount each month, with a final adjustment on your 12th bill to settle your balance. Learn how to sign up.
Take charge of your home heating this winter with these easy tips and resources! By making simple adjustments, you can enjoy a cozy, energy-efficient home while managing your utility bills and reducing your environmental impact. Learn more about conservations tips all year around.
Still have questions? Speak directly with a Utilities Kingston energy expert! Call us at 613-546-1181, ext. 2765, or email us at conservation@utilitieskingston.com.