Winter Energy Checklist for Canadian Homes

This winter energy checklist for Canadian homes covers the steps that typically save the most on heating with the least effort. Space heating is roughly 60% of the energy a typical Canadian home uses, so winter is when your habits and maintenance matter most.

Start in October or November, before the coldest weather. Most items take under an hour and cost little. A few, like a furnace tune-up, are worth booking ahead because contractors get busy.

Heating system checklist

1. Replace or clean the filter. Check it monthly in winter and replace it every 1 to 3 months. A clogged filter makes the system work harder.
2. Book a tune-up. Have a technician check your furnace, boiler or heat pump each fall. Ask them to test carbon monoxide levels on fuel-burning equipment.
3. Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Replace batteries and check expiry dates on each alarm.
4. Clear vents and returns. Move furniture, rugs and curtains away from supply and return grilles.
5. Bleed radiators. If you have hot water heat, release trapped air so radiators heat evenly.
6. Check the heat pump outdoor unit. Keep it clear of snow, ice and leaves. Make sure it sits above the snow line and the defrost drain can flow.
7. Check exterior vents. High-efficiency furnace and water heater intake and exhaust pipes must stay clear of snow.

Thermostat and settings

8. Set a schedule. With a furnace, set back 3 to 4 °C at night and while away. With a heat pump, keep setbacks to 1 to 2 °C. Our smart thermostat setbacks guide explains why.
9. Check backup heat settings. On a heat pump, confirm the auxiliary heat lockout is set so backup runs only when needed.
10. Run ceiling fans clockwise on low. This pushes warm air down from the ceiling without a draft.

Estimate what a schedule could save with the thermostat savings calculator.

Drafts and air sealing

11. Weatherstrip doors. Replace worn strips and add a door sweep where you see daylight.
12. Seal the attic hatch. Add weatherstripping and rigid insulation on top of the hatch.
13. Add foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls.
14. Caulk window and baseboard gaps on the inside where you feel cold air.
15. Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use.

For bigger gains, see our guide to air sealing first.

Windows, water and habits

16. Use curtains well. Open south-facing curtains on sunny days and close all curtains at night.
17. Lower the water heater setting to about 55 to 60 °C. Going lower can raise the risk of bacteria in the tank.
18. Shift big loads in Ontario. On Time-of-Use or Ultra-Low Overnight plans, run laundry and dishwashers in cheaper hours. See our Ontario price plans guide.
19. Watch humidity. Aim for about 30% to 40% indoor humidity in cold weather. Higher levels cause condensation on windows.
20. Use block heaters on a timer. Two to three hours before you leave is usually enough.

Where winter savings typically come from

If you heat with oil or propane

Oil and propane cost more per unit of heat than natural gas in most provinces, at roughly $1.65 per litre for oil and $0.90 per litre for propane. That makes every item on this list worth more to you. Check your tank level before the first deep cold snap, and ask your supplier about automatic delivery so you do not run out. If your system is aging, read our guide to switching from oil heat before you replace it like for like.

Why winter bills climb anyway

Even with every item checked, your bills rise in winter. Colder weather, longer nights and more time indoors all add load. Our guide on why winter bills are higher explains the pattern. If your bills seem high for your home, run an energy check-up to compare.

Plan bigger upgrades for spring

Winter is the best time to notice cold rooms, ice dams and drafts. Write them down. Spring and summer are better for insulation, air sealing and heating system upgrades, and contractors often have more availability. Our attic insulation guide is a good next read.