In addition to the tips below, visit myEnergy Marketplace for additional information on what to look for in furnaces, heat pumps, portable heaters, as well as cost-saving rebates.

Keep warm this winter

5 tips for a warm and cozy snowy season

A mom and daughter sitting on a widnow seat making paper snowflakes with a snowy landscape in the background


Winter is officially here. As winds pick up and temperatures dip down, Hydro One offers some tips to stay warm and cozy at home while also conserving energy.



a thermometer with an arrow pointing down indicating the temperature going down

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.

a coffee mug icon

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.

an icon of a bed with blankets beside a window

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.

an icon of modern flat screen tv

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 or consult RecycleMyElectronics.ca.

a lit candle icon

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.

Hydro One offers several ways to keep you informed if a winter storm affects your power supply. Check our online Outage Map (updated every 10 minutes) or our Outage App to view restoration times in your area. You can also sign up for Outage Alerts by text or email - we’ll notify you if there’s an outage in your area. For power outages and emergencies, you can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-434-1235.

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