Heating is the biggest energy cost in most Ontario homes. Some savings cost nothing; others come with rebates that cover a large share of the cost.
Free or nearly free
- Turn the thermostat down at night and when you’re out. Each degree you lower it for eight hours saves a few percent on heating.
- Change the furnace filter. A clogged filter makes the blower work harder. Check it monthly in winter.
- Use the sun. Open south-facing curtains during the day and close them at night.
- Clear the vents. Furniture and rugs over registers block airflow and leave rooms cold.
- Run the ceiling fans clockwise on low. It pushes warm air down from the ceiling.
Small fixes, quick payback
- Seal the obvious drafts. Weatherstripping on doors and caulking around trim are inexpensive and you’ll feel the difference.
- Install a smart thermostat. It learns your schedule and stops heating an empty house. Ontario pays $125 toward one.
- Insulate the hot water pipes near the water heater.
The upgrades that pay back
- Top up the attic insulation. It’s often the best value in the house. Brought to R-50, it pays up to $1,250 on its own, or up to $1,500 as part of an assessment with other upgrades.
- Switch to a cold-climate heat pump. For homes heated with oil, propane or electric baseboards, it typically cuts heating costs by 40 to 60%. Ontario pays up to $7,500, and the new federal rebate adds $2,000 to $10,000 for installs from November 1, 2026.
Not sure where to start?
A free consultation looks at your home and your bills and tells you which of these will save you the most, and what the rebates will cover. Book yours.