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1. Choose a budget-friendly payment option
2. Check your furnace and heating system
3. Heat only what’s necessary
4. Manage airflow for better efficiency
5. Maintain your fireplace and chimney
6. Seal up doors and windows
7. Layer up and stay warm naturally
8. Upgrade to smarter lighting
9. Add humidity for comfort and savings

Short on time? Watch this quick video on simple winter prep steps that cut drafts, improve furnace efficiency and lower heating costs.

Good airflow helps your home heat evenly and keeps your furnace from working harder than it needs to.��Here’s how to improve airflow and heat your home more efficiently in winter:

• Reverse your ceiling fan direction. In winter, set your fan to pull cool air up toward the ceiling. This helps push warm air back down into the room where you actually feel it.

• Keep vents clear. Make sure furniture, rugs or appliances aren’t blocking air vents. Clear vents help your furnace move warm air efficiently throughout your home.

• Use a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). HRVs improve indoor air quality by pulling out stale air and using its heat to warm up the fresh air coming in — giving you better ventilation without losing energy.

Your fireplace can add warmth and comfort — but it can also let heat escape if it’s not used efficiently.��Here’s how to use it efficiently and avoid unnecessary heat loss:

• Keep warm air indoors. A chimney can act like an open window, letting heat escape. Always close the damper when the fireplace isn’t being used, and make sure the flue seal is tight.

• Use smart fireplace habits. When you light a fire, open the dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if your system has them) or crack a nearby window slightly. Close doors to other rooms and lower your thermostat to around 10–13 °C while the fire is burning.

• Consider efficiency upgrades. Tempered glass doors or a heat-air exchange system can help circulate warm air back into your home.

• Add more control. Installing a fireplace thermostat can help regulate heat output and prevent energy waste.

Even when they’re closed, doors and windows can let warm air escape and cold air sneak in.��Here’s how to keep cold air out and warm air in:

• Check for cold spots. Place your hand on the inside of a closed door. If it feels noticeably cooler than your walls, it may be time to upgrade to a better-insulated door. This is especially important for entrances to garages, cold storage rooms and uninsulated basements.

• Add low-cost insulation. A layer of clear plastic window film can make a big difference. It helps block icy drafts and adds extra insulation with very little effort or cost.

• Use the sun to your advantage. Open curtains or blinds on sunny days to let in “free heat.” Clean south-facing windows to maximize sunlight. Once the sun sets, close your curtains to help trap warmth indoors.

Quick win: Weatherstripping around door and window frames is an easy way to reduce drafts and lower heating loss.

Sometimes the simplest habits can help you stay comfortable while using less heat.

• Add layers. Put on a cozy sweater or warm socks and lower your thermostat a few degrees to save on your heating bill.

• Use area rugs. Rugs help insulate cold floors and make rooms feel warmer, plus they cut down on noise and add a bit of comfort underfoot.

Winter’s long, dark evenings mean your lights work overtime — but they don’t have to use more energy. Make lighting more efficient by installing automatic timers, motion sensors, dimmers, or solar-powered lights around your home. These small upgrades help cut electricity use without sacrificing comfort or brightness.

Moist air feels warmer, which means you can stay comfortable even with your thermostat set a little lower. Adding a humidifier to your home can help maintain ideal indoor humidity levels in winter.

And here’s a bonus: houseplants and aquariums naturally add moisture to the air, giving your home a small humidity boost while keeping things cozy.