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Why Ottawa Heating Bills Are So High (And What You Can Do About It)

Canadian winters demand more from your heating system than almost anywhere else in the world. In Ottawa, furnaces run nearly non-stop from November through March, and a single degree of temperature adjustment can save you up to 3% on your monthly bill. The average Ottawa household spends $1,200-$2,400 annually on heating alone. Let’s change that.

Smart Thermostat Strategies: Control Your Comfort and Costs

Your thermostat is the command center of your heating system. Small adjustments create significant savings without sacrificing warmth.

Programming That Pays Off

• Lower the dial strategically: Set your thermostat to 20°C when you’re home and awake. Drop it to 17°C when sleeping or away. This simple change saves 10-15% annually on heating costs.
• Invest in smart technology: Modern programmable thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically. They can be controlled remotely and provide energy reports. Professional thermostat installation ensures optimal performance.
• Avoid temperature yo-yoing: Cranking heat to 25°C doesn’t warm your home faster—it just wastes energy. Maintain consistent, moderate settings.
• Zone heating saves money: Close doors to unused rooms and adjust vents accordingly. Why heat guest bedrooms nobody uses in January?

Seal Your Home: Stop Paying to Heat the Outdoors

Air leaks are silent budget killers. Warm air escapes through tiny gaps around windows, doors, outlets, and baseboards while frigid air sneaks in.

Quick Fixes That Make a Big Difference

• Weather-strip windows and doors: Check for drafts using a candle flame test. Apply foam tape or rubber strips where cold air enters.
• Caulk visible gaps: Seal cracks around window frames, door frames, and where pipes enter walls. One tube of caulk costs $5 and saves hundreds annually.
• Insulate electrical outlets: Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls. Cold air flows through these small openings.
• Use window insulation film: Apply clear plastic film to create an insulating air barrier. This inexpensive solution dramatically reduces heat loss through glass.
• Install door sweeps: Block the gap under exterior doors with brush or rubber sweeps. This prevents cold drafts along floors.

Harness Free Solar Heat

• Open curtains during sunny days: South-facing windows capture natural warmth. Let sunlight heat your home for free.
• Close curtains at sunset: Heavy, insulated curtains trap heat inside once darkness falls. Window treatments act as thermal barriers.

Furnace Maintenance: Efficiency Starts Here

Your furnace is working overtime during Ottawa winters. Proper maintenance prevents fuel waste and extends equipment life.

Monthly Tasks Every Homeowner Should Do

• Check furnace filters monthly: Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder. Replace disposable filters when they look gray or clogged.
• Clear heat registers: Ensure furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking vents. Obstructed airflow wastes energy and creates cold spots.
• Listen for unusual sounds: Banging, squealing, or grinding noises indicate problems. Address issues before they become expensive repairs.

Annual Professional Service Is Non-Negotiable

A professional tune-up before winter ensures your furnace operates at peak efficiency. Licensed technicians inspect burners, test safety controls, clean components, and verify proper combustion. This prevents mid-winter breakdowns and maximizes fuel efficiency. Schedule your furnace maintenance before temperatures plummet.

Neglected furnaces consume 20-30% more fuel. That’s like throwing $300-$500 out your window every winter. Regular maintenance pays for itself multiple times over.

Ductwork and Airflow: The Hidden Money Drains

Leaky ducts waste up to 30% of heated air before it reaches your living space. That means nearly one-third of your heating dollars literally disappear into walls, crawl spaces, and attics.

• Seal duct connections: Check accessible ductwork for gaps or disconnected sections. Use metal-backed tape (not cloth duct tape) to seal leaks.
• Insulate exposed ducts: Wrap ducts running through unheated spaces with insulation. This prevents heat loss in basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
• Consider professional duct sealing: HVAC contractors can pressure-test your system and seal hard-to-reach leaks. Professional ductwork service improves efficiency dramatically.
• Balance airflow throughout your home: Partially close vents in overheated rooms and open vents in cold areas. This redistributes warm air more effectively.

Water Heating: The Silent Energy Eater

Water heating accounts for 15-25% of your total energy bill. Small changes create substantial savings.

Hot Water Tank Optimization

• Lower temperature settings: Set your water heater to 49°C (120°F). This temperature is safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
• Insulate your tank: Wrap older tanks with an insulating blanket. This reduces standby heat loss by 25-40%.
• Insulate hot water pipes: Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and keeps water hot as it travels to faucets and showers.
• Fix leaks immediately: Dripping hot water wastes both water and the energy used to heat it. Replace worn washers and fix dripping faucets promptly.
• Consider tankless upgrades: If your water heater is over 10 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency model or tankless water heater delivers long-term savings.

Daily Habits That Add Up

• Take shorter showers: Reducing shower time by just 2 minutes saves significant energy.
• Wash clothes in cold water: Modern detergents work effectively in cold water. You’ll save energy without sacrificing cleanliness.
• Run full loads only: Wait until dishwashers and washing machines are full before running cycles.

Insulation: Your Home’s Thermal Blanket

Proper insulation is the single most effective way to reduce heating costs. Heat rises, so attics are the priority.

• Upgrade attic insulation: Ottawa homes should have R-50 to R-60 insulation in attics. If you can see ceiling joists through existing insulation, you need more.
• Insulate basement walls: Uninsulated basement walls leak heat into the ground. Adding insulation creates a warmer basement and reduces whole-house heating demand.
• Seal attic bypasses: Air leaks around chimneys, plumbing stacks, and recessed lights let warm air escape into attics. Seal these pathways with expanding foam or caulk.
• Insulate crawl spaces: If your home has a crawl space, insulation prevents cold floors and reduces heating loads.

Windows and Doors: Major Heat Loss Points

Old, single-pane windows and poorly fitted doors are major culprits in heat loss.

• Upgrade to energy-efficient windows: If budget allows, replacing old windows with Energy Star certified models reduces heat loss by 40-50%.
• Add storm windows: If new windows aren’t feasible, exterior or interior storm windows provide an affordable alternative.
• Replace worn door seals: Check door weatherstripping annually and replace when compressed or damaged.
• Install storm doors: An exterior storm door creates an insulating air pocket and protects your main door from harsh weather.

Smart Home Habits: Free Ways to Save

Your daily routines impact heating costs more than you realize. These zero-cost habits make a measurable difference.

• Use ceiling fans strategically: Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise on low speed. This pushes warm air down from ceilings into living spaces.
• Keep humidity levels optimal: Maintain 30-40% indoor humidity. Proper humidity makes the air feel warmer, allowing you to set thermostats lower. Consider adding a central humidifier for whole-home comfort.
• Dress appropriately indoors: Wear layers, slippers, and sweaters. Keeping your body warm means you can keep thermostat settings lower.
• Use space heaters wisely: Electric space heaters are expensive to operate. Only use them in occupied rooms for short periods—never as primary heating.
• Bake and cook strategically: Use your oven during cold days. The heat it generates helps warm your kitchen and adjacent areas.
• Close chimney dampers: If you have a fireplace you’re not using, ensure the damper is tightly closed. Open chimneys are like leaving a window open.

Appliances and Electronics: Hidden Energy Consumers

Electronics and appliances contribute to your overall energy consumption—and savings opportunities.

• Switch to LED bulbs: LED lights use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and generate less heat, reducing cooling loads.
• Unplug phantom power drains: Devices on standby mode consume electricity. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, and small appliances when not in use.
• Use power bars with switches: Turn off entire groups of electronics with one switch.
• Upgrade old appliances: Energy Star certified appliances use significantly less power than models over 10 years old.

Long-Term Investments: Upgrades That Pay Off

Some improvements require upfront investment but deliver years of savings.

Heating System Upgrades

• Replace aging furnaces: If your furnace is over 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can reduce fuel consumption by 30-40%. Modern furnaces have AFUE ratings of 95% or higher. Learn more about furnace installation options.
• Consider heat pumps: Cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even in Ottawa winters and can slash heating costs. Explore heat pump installation for your home.
• Explore dual-fuel systems: Combining a heat pump with a gas furnace provides efficiency and reliability in extreme cold.

Home Envelope Improvements

• Air sealing services: Professional energy audits identify hidden leaks. Blower door tests pinpoint exactly where air escapes.
• Spray foam insulation: While more expensive than fiberglass, spray foam provides superior air sealing and R-value per inch.

Government Rebates and Incentives

Take advantage of programs designed to help Ottawa homeowners reduce energy consumption.

• Canada Greener Homes Grant: Receive up to $5,000 for energy-efficient upgrades including insulation, windows, and heating systems.
• Enbridge Gas rebates: Natural gas customers qualify for rebates on high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.
• Home Energy Loan Program: Finance energy upgrades with interest-free loans up to $40,000.

These programs significantly reduce the cost of major improvements. Research current offerings before scheduling upgrades.

Emergency Preparedness: Protect Your Investment

Ottawa winters are unpredictable. Power outages and equipment failures happen when you least expect them.

• Service before problems arise: Emergency repairs cost significantly more than preventive maintenance. Don’t wait for breakdowns.
• Know who to call: Keep contact information for reliable HVAC contractors handy. When your heat fails at -30°C, you need fast, professional help. Call (613) 880-3888 for emergency service.
• Maintain backup heat sources: Keep emergency supplies like blankets, sleeping bags, and flashlights accessible.
• Protect pipes from freezing: Let faucets drip during extreme cold. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes.

Year-Round Mindset: Consistency Wins

Energy efficiency isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing practice. Regular attention to your heating system, home envelope, and daily habits compounds savings year after year.

• Track your energy bills: Monitor monthly consumption to identify unusual spikes that indicate problems.
• Schedule seasonal maintenance: Annual HVAC maintenance should be non-negotiable.
• Stay informed: New technologies and rebate programs emerge regularly. Stay current on opportunities to improve efficiency.

When to Call the Professionals

DIY efforts go a long way, but some situations require expert help. Contact licensed HVAC technicians when you notice:

• Uneven heating throughout your home
• Unexplained increases in energy bills
• Strange noises from your furnace or ductwork
• Frequent cycling on and off
• Yellow pilot light flames (should be blue)
• Age-related concerns with equipment over 15 years old

Gas Man Ottawa provides comprehensive furnace repair services throughout Ottawa, Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven, and surrounding areas. Our TSSA-licensed technicians diagnose problems accurately and provide honest recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter?

Set your thermostat to 20°C when you’re home and awake, 17°C when sleeping or away. Each degree lower saves approximately 3% on heating costs. Use a programmable thermostat to automate these adjustments.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Check your filter monthly during winter when your furnace runs continuously. Replace it when it appears gray or clogged—typically every 1-3 months depending on usage, pets, and air quality. Clean filters improve efficiency and indoor air quality.

Is it worth upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace?

If your current furnace is over 15 years old, upgrading to a 95%+ AFUE model can reduce fuel consumption by 30-40%. The investment typically pays for itself within 5-8 years through energy savings. Government rebates further improve return on investment.

Do space heaters save money on heating bills?

Generally no. Electric space heaters are expensive to operate—often costing more than central heating per square foot warmed. Only use them for short periods in occupied rooms, not as primary heat sources.

How much does air sealing really save?

Professional air sealing combined with proper insulation can reduce heating costs by 20-30%. The investment typically pays for itself within 3-5 years. Air leaks are among the biggest energy wasters in Ottawa homes.

Should I close vents in unused rooms?

Partially closing vents in unused rooms can help redirect heat, but completely closing too many vents creates pressure imbalances that reduce system efficiency. Close no more than 20% of vents, and never close all vents in a zone.

When should I schedule furnace maintenance?

Schedule annual maintenance in early fall before heating season begins. This ensures your system operates efficiently when you need it most and prevents mid-winter breakdowns during the coldest temperatures.

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make with winter heating?

Neglecting preventive maintenance. A $150 tune-up prevents $1,000+ emergency repairs and saves hundreds in fuel costs annually. Regular maintenance is the single best investment in home comfort and efficiency.

Start Saving Today

Reducing heating costs doesn’t require sacrifice or discomfort. Strategic adjustments, consistent maintenance, and smart investments create warm, affordable winters year after year. Start with simple, no-cost changes like thermostat programming and sealing air leaks. Build momentum with regular furnace maintenance and filter changes. When ready, invest in major upgrades that deliver long-term returns.

Ottawa winters are long and cold—but your heating bills don’t have to break the bank. Implement these 25+ strategies and take control of your energy costs this winter.

Need expert help maximizing your heating efficiency? Gas Man Ottawa’s licensed technicians provide comprehensive heating system services throughout the Ottawa area. From annual maintenance to complete system replacements, we help homeowners stay warm and save money.

Call (613) 880-3888 or request service online for your free estimate today.