Winters in Ontario can be harsh, with temperatures often plummeting to -30°C or lower. As a result, keeping your home warm can feel like a constant battle, especially when it leads to high heating bills. However, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your costs while maintaining a comfortable living environment.
1. Schedule Maintenance
Regular professional heating maintenance is vital to running your system efficiently and safely. It’s best to schedule a check-up at least once a year before the heating season begins. A fall inspection gives you time to address any major issues before colder temperatures set in.
During their visit, your HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your system, including checking critical safety features to prevent potential hazards. They will also clean your system’s internal components, tighten loose electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts.
Your technician can also address minor problems, like replacing a worn fan belt, before they become a significant issue requiring more extensive repairs or causing an emergency breakdown. Before leaving, they will fine-tune your heating system to ensure it operates optimally, reducing energy waste and potentially lowering your heating bills.
2. Choose a Lower Thermostat Setting
Reducing your thermostat setting can significantly lower your heating costs. When family members are awake and at home, aim for a thermostat setting between 20°C and 22°C. When everyone is away or asleep, consider lowering it to between 16°C and 18°C. This reduces the workload on your heating system and helps you save money on energy bills.
Adapting to these settings may require some changes in habits. For example, consider wearing sweatpants and sweaters rather than t-shirts and shorts when relaxing at home. Also, add an extra blanket to your bed at night. These small adjustments keep you comfortable while you maintain more energy-efficient thermostat settings. By embracing these practices, you’ll reduce energy consumption and lower your heating costs throughout the winter.
3. Winterize Your Home
Start by inspecting the insulation in often overlooked spaces like your attic, basement, or crawlspaces. If you’re unsure whether you have enough insulation, a professional can assess it and recommend any necessary upgrades. They can also check for damage caused by rodents or other pests, which can compromise the effectiveness of your insulation.
Next, check for drafts around your windows and doors. Cold air entering through gaps can make your home less energy-efficient. Apply caulk to seal any visible gaps and prevent drafts. Also, don’t forget to inspect your home for small cracks around the foundation and walls. Use a foam sealant to fill these cracks and keep cold air outside.
By taking these steps to make your home more airtight, you’ll reduce the workload on your heating system. Improving your home’s insulation helps your system maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without using as much energy.
4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help you keep your heating bills under control by allowing you to manage your home’s temperature with precision. Unlike traditional thermostats requiring manual adjustments, many smart thermostat models can learn your family’s daily schedule and automatically adjust the temperature to suit your needs.
For instance, it will lower the temperature to a more economical level while you and your family are away at work or school. It will then bring the temperature back up to your preferred temperature before everyone gets home. This technology allows you to be comfortable at home while reducing heating costs.
Additionally, many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, allowing you to make changes even when you’re not at home. This can come in handy if you forget to adjust the temperature before leaving on a vacation or if your evening plans change.
Some models also provide monthly reports, helping you monitor your energy use. You can use this information to make informed decisions to reduce your heating costs.
5. Use Zoned Heating
If your home has a zoned heating system, you can set different temperatures for various rooms based on how you use them. For instance, lower the temperature in guest or workout rooms, which are often unoccupied for extended periods of time. This strategy helps focus heating on the areas you use most, reducing energy consumption and saving on heating costs.
If you don’t already have a zoned system, consider having a professional install one. The process typically involves adding additional thermostats in different areas of your house. Your technician will also add motorized dampers in the ducts to direct airflow to specific zones. Updating to a zoned system can take a few hours to a day, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your HVAC system. While the initial cost of installation may vary, it can pay off over time by improving comfort and reducing how often your heating system has to run over time.
6. Harness the Sun
Sunlight can be one of your best allies in the winter, providing free natural heat that can help reduce your reliance on your heating system. Open your blinds or curtains during daylight hours to let sunlight pour in and warm up your home.
The sun’s warmth can raise the temperature in your living spaces by several degrees, especially if your windows face south. Some studies have shown that properly managing sunlight exposure in the home can cut heating bills by as much as 10%. This makes it an easy and eco-friendly way to stay warm while saving money.
However, closing your blinds at night and during windy, cloudy days is essential to trap the heat inside and keep cold air from seeping in through the windows. In addition, consider using thermal or insulated curtains. These can help retain heat and prevent drafts, especially if your windows are older and energy-inefficient.
7. Change Your HVAC Filter
An air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your heating system and damaging its internal components. It also helps maintain indoor air quality by capturing airborne pollutants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, when a filter gets clogged, it can cause a host of issues, including making your heating system run harder to keep you comfortable.
Experts recommend changing out your filter at least every three months. However, you may need to replace yours more often based on factors like how much your system is running and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need attention.
Contact Your Local HVAC Professionals
At Armour Home Comfort, we are a family-owned company that has been serving the residents of Bellevue, ON, and the surrounding areas for years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we offer maintenance plans. Armour Home Comfort Club members get perks like annual maintenance and a 15% discount on repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
