How to save on home heating bills this winter
The average homeowner or renter has no control over the market price of gas or electricity and this can be a major concern, especially when prices are rising.
Energy market analysts predict that Canadian household energy costs will increase dramatically this winter due to a combination of climate, domestic supply, global demand and other factors.
Canadians’ fears are also rising, according to Martin Hrobsky, vice president of public affairs at market research firm Ipsos.
“Canadians are very concerned about the rising cost of living. In fact, inflation is the second most important issue for Canadians right now, just behind healthcare,” Hrobsky told CTVNews.ca in an email on Friday. “About half of Canadians told us they are concerned about being able to pay rising utility bills this winter.”
When asked by Ipsos which areas of inflation would most affect their quality of life, 37 percent of survey respondents cited rising electricity and natural gas prices. Hrobsky said those who already pay the most for heating, which often includes people who use electricity to heat their homes, would be hit hardest.
However, he said that rising natural gas prices due to inflation and the war in Ukraine would mean that “even those using natural gas, which is historically cheaper, will feel the pinch this winter.”
While the average Canadian has no control over the factors that contribute to the market price of utilities, there are ways that homeowners and renters who pay for their own utilities can save on energy to help keep their bills a little lower.
TIPS FOR SAVING
With home heating accounting for 63.6 percent of the energy used in homes, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), here are some strategies you might consider to get the most out of your home heating this winter.
• Find out whether it is cheaper to heat with electricity or gas. Depending on where you live and the energy prices there, it may be cheaper to heat your house with one or the other. Sites like RateHub.ca and EnergyRates.ca provide tools that users can use to compare them.
• Check for drafts and seal any cracks around windows and doors that allow cold air to enter. According to EnergyRates.ca, residents can save 10 to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs by sealing uncontrolled air leaks. Natural Resources Canada states that air leaks through chimneys, vents, ducting, and electrical boxes in the attic can also cause significant heat loss.
• Whether or not your windows are drafty, consider using heat-shrinkable plastic on your windows to act as another barrier and help lock in the heat of your home.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. This slows heat loss, resulting in improved energy utilization and can help save money. Residents upgrading the insulation of an attic, cathedral ceiling, flat roof, exterior wall, exposed floor, basement or crawl space may be eligible for a retrofit grant of up to $5,000 from NRCAN.
• Set your thermostat to a lower temperature. EnergyRates.ca reports that winter temperatures can be set one degree lower for up to five percent savings.
• Shift up. Instead of cranking up the thermostat, pull on a sweater or blanket and warm socks.
• Use thick carpets so the floor feels less cold and you don’t have to crank your thermostat as much.
• Look for aftermarket discounts. There are many grants and financing options available across Canada for homeowners planning energy efficient renovations. State grants and rebates can be found on the NRCAN website, but some municipalities offer these as well.
Finally, some provinces have deregulated energy markets that allow consumers to choose their retailers. In these markets, it’s always worth checking current rates to see if you can save money by switching to another retailer.