9 Winter Energy-Saving Tips for the Home

When the cold sets in, the bills start increasing—such is life for Canadian homeowners. 

Steep declines in temperature push your heating system to work twice as hard, often to the detriment of energy efficiency. However, the good news is that following the right household energy-saving tips can help manage the subsequent spikes in energy costs. 

Let’s get into how you can save money this winter! 

HVAC Energy Saving Tips

The main culprit is your HVAC system—sorry to be the bearer of bad news. If you want to save energy and lower your energy bills, follow these tips: 

1. Give Your Heating System Some TLC

Keeping your HVAC systems maintained is an energy-saving tip that has stood the test of time for good reason. Some suggestions include: 

• Replacing air filters every three months
• Ensure the surroundings of HVAC indoor and outdoor units are clean and clear of debris
• Stay alert for unusual odours and noises coming from your HVAC system
• Schedule regular furnace maintenance to avoid costly repairs or inefficiencies

→ Read more: The Ultimate HVAC Maintenance Guide for Homeowners

2. Switch to a Smart Thermostat

One of the best winter energy-saving tips is switching to a smart thermostat. In fact, this simple upgrade can result in an annual 8% energy savings for savvy homeowners! This is how:

• Optimizes temperature settings based on your heating and cooling habits 
• Adjusts temperature based on outdoor climate, heating time, and more
• Is compatible with other smart devices and assistants
• Notifies you of HVAC issues (i.e. a system failure or dirty filter) 

3. Have an EnerGuide Evaluation

Next on our list of winter energy-saving tips is having an EnerGuide Evaluation conducted. Doing so will provide you with the full scope of your home’s energy efficiency, helping identify waste causes and points for improvements.

An NRCan-registered energy advisor will assess your home and draft a personalized report with recommended upgrades. Additionally, their help can assist you in becoming an eligible recipient of energy rebates, which means bigger savings!

→ Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Home Energy Rebates in Ontario

Water Heater Energy Saving Tips

Your plumbing fixtures also use energy to deliver hot water throughout your home. Maximize their efficiency by following these energy-saving tips:

4. Reset Wash Cycles

How often do you wash your clothes per week? Frequent wash cycles cause energy and water bills to rise! Increase energy savings by setting an efficient wash schedule. Your energy bill should denote certain times as “peak hours”—so, simply avoid washing your clothes and running the dishwasher during these times! 

5. Conduct Regular Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters, like other appliances, require love and attention. Neglecting them throughout the winter can lead to mineral build-up, which can lead to costly repairs and inefficiencies. As such, we’ve included regular water heater maintenance as a top winter energy saving tip that can’t be skipped. Here’s why:

• It enables more efficient performance
• It reduces the frequency of water heater repairs
• It prolongs the lifespan of your equipment

6. Invest In a Tankless Water Heater

Depending on the size of your household, it may be wise to invest in a tankless water heater. Rather than constantly heating water in a tank, these provide hot water only when it’s needed, ultimately lowering your annual energy bill! 

→ Read more: The Ultimate Water Heater Buying Guide for Homeowners

Household Energy Saving Tips

Of course, your energy usage and heating costs in the winter aren’t just attributable to your HVAC system and water heater—other daily activities play a role, too. With that in mind, here are three household energy-saving tips that go beyond heating and cooling systems. 

7. Buy LED Light Fixtures

Your light bulbs might be wasting energy as we speak! 

Per year, incandescent light bulbs amass an average of 3,285 kWh and fluorescent light bulbs use an average of 767 kWh. Meanwhile, LED lights use an average of 329 kWh per year. So, consider switching to LED light bulbs if you want to conserve energy—these efficient fixtures use 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs! Another option is to install motion sensors to help ensure lights don’t get left on.

8. Insulate Your Home

Insulation is an effective household energy-saving tip that’ll keep you comfortable all year round. Doing so increases your home’s resistance to heat transfer, keeping indoors warm for an extended period.

It’s recommended to consult with professional contractors before starting an insulating project. Ultimately, proper insulation will make your HVAC systems more energy-efficient!

9. Weatherstrip Doors and Windows

You can also save energy by weatherstripping all doors and windows in your home. 

While its primary purpose is to prevent water from entering and ruining fenestrations, this solution effectively traps cool and warm air inside homes to help heating systems conserve energy. Caulking, door sweeps, and insulating foam are three of the many popular materials that can be used for door and window weatherstripping. 

Cut Heating and Cooling Costs with LG Home Comfort

There’s no doubt that these winter energy-saving tips will also have you saving money this season. However, tips and DIY tricks will only get you so far if you’re not running energy-efficient systems in your home. We can help! 

LG Home Comfort is a proudly Canadian company, meaning we have extensive experience navigating cold, bitter winters. Whether you need a new furnace, water heater, or just some general maintenance, count on us to deliver. We can also help equip your home with an all-in-one heating and cooling system like a heat pump. 

What’s the best household energy-saving tip? Scheduling a free in-home consultation!