Keep warm this winter

1. Turn down the temperature

Set your thermostat to an eco-friendly 20⁰C and turn it down to 16-18⁰C when no one’s home. You can also lower the temperature when you’re expecting a full house — all those guests will naturally boost the temperature. If you’re roasting or baking, you can turn down the thermostat one or two degrees, as the heat from the oven will warm up your kitchen.

2. Pay attention to peak times

Be aware of time-of-use pricing, which fluctuates throughout the day as demand for electricity fluctuates. In fact, time-of-use rates changed on November 1st. Plan your energy-intensive activities during mid-peak and off-peak times, when rates are lower. Official holidays like Family Day are off-peak days — so you can stay cozy watching winter classics, baking cookies and drinking hot chocolate all day long.

3. Seal in the heat

Up to a quarter of the energy we use to heat our homes escapes through improperly sealed nooks and crannies. Identify air leaks around windows and doors, chimneys, plumbing penetrations and exterior outlets, and seal in the heat with caulking, draft-proofing and insulation. Make your home cozier and more energy-efficient with these low-cost tips to seal air leaks around windows.

4. Look for the blue ENERGY STAR^®

If digital media players, set-top boxes, smart TVs and tablets are on your New Year shopping list, look for the blue ENERGY STAR certification that tells you it’s more energy-efficient than the average model. For instance, an ENERGY STAR-certified streaming device uses about 25 per cent less electricity than a standard device. Dispose of old electronics safely: find your local household hazardous waste depot.

5. Be prepared

Finally, ensure you are properly equipped for winter storms. Power outages can be caused by heavy snow, ice and high winds. In case of a power outage, have emergency supplies on hand. See our Power Outage Checklist for a complete list of what to put in your kit.