Energy Savings
15 Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home
March 27, 2026 · 10 min read
Key Takeaways
- Lowering your thermostat by 2°C at night saves 5-10% on heating costs
- Sealing air leaks around doors and windows can save $200-$400 per year
- A smart thermostat pays for itself within 1-2 heating seasons
- Regular furnace maintenance improves efficiency by 5-15%
Energy costs in the GTA keep climbing, but many homeowners are paying more than they need to. These 15 strategies range from free behavioural changes to modest investments — all proven to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Free or Nearly Free
1. Lower the thermostat at night. Drop your set temperature by 2–3°C while sleeping. Most people sleep better in a cooler room anyway. This single change saves 5–10% on your heating bill annually.
2. Use ceiling fans in reverse. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch. In winter, run them clockwise on low speed to push warm air pooling at the ceiling back down into the living space.
3. Open curtains on south-facing windows during the day. Free solar heat gain in winter. Close them at sunset to add an insulating layer over the glass.
4. Don't heat unused rooms. Close vents and doors in guest rooms or storage areas. Why heat 2,500 square feet when you're living in 1,800?
5. Run full loads only. Full dishwasher and laundry loads use the same energy as half loads. Wait until you have a full load before running.
Low-Cost Investments ($50–$300)
6. Install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts automatically. Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell models typically save $100–$200 per year — paying for themselves within 1–2 seasons.
7. Seal air leaks. Weatherstripping around doors and caulking around windows costs $30–$50 in materials and saves $200–$400 per year. Check where plumbing and wiring penetrate exterior walls — these are major leak points.
8. Upgrade to LED lighting. If you haven't already, replace remaining incandescent and CFL bulbs with LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
9. Insulate your hot water pipes. Foam pipe insulation costs $10–$20 and reduces heat loss from hot water pipes by 25–45%. Your hot water arrives faster, and you waste less energy keeping it hot.
10. Add attic insulation. If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you don't have enough insulation. Adding blown-in insulation to R-60 costs $500–$1,500 for a typical GTA home and is one of the highest-ROI energy upgrades available.
HVAC-Specific Savings
11. Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder, consuming more energy. Replace every 60–90 days, or monthly if you have pets.
12. Schedule annual maintenance. A professional furnace tune-up ensures your system runs at peak efficiency — typically 5–15% better than an unmaintained unit.
13. Upgrade an aging furnace. If your furnace is 15+ years old, it's likely running at 78–85% efficiency. A modern high-efficiency furnace operates at 96–98% AFUE, converting nearly every dollar of gas into usable heat.
14. Consider a heat pump. For moderate climates, a heat pump delivers 2–4x more heating energy per dollar than a gas furnace. With Ontario's heat pump rebates, the economics are increasingly attractive.
15. Lower your water heater temperature. Most water heaters are set to 60°C from the factory. Lowering to 49°C (120°F) saves 3–5% on water heating costs and reduces scalding risk. Check your local codes first — some jurisdictions require 60°C for legionella prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the single biggest energy saver?
For most GTA homes, upgrading an old furnace to a high-efficiency model delivers the largest savings — $500–$1,000+ per year in reduced gas consumption. If your furnace is under 10 years old, air sealing and attic insulation are the best bang-for-buck upgrades.
Are energy audits worth it?
Yes. A professional energy audit ($300–$500) identifies exactly where your home loses energy and prioritizes upgrades by ROI. Many Ontario utilities offer subsidized audits through the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate program.
Start Saving Today
You don't need to do all 15 at once. Start with the free strategies, add a smart thermostat, and schedule a furnace tune-up. For bigger upgrades like a new furnace or heat pump, request a free quote or call 1-855-539-4328.