Five tips for keeping the heat in and your costs down

The temperatures are dropping and it's time to fire up your furnace!

No one likes winter heating bills. The good news is that a few simple changes around your home can reduce energy use while keeping you warm and comfortable all season long!

Here are five home heating tips to help lower your energy bills:

1. Clean or replace your furnace filter every one to two months.
A clean furnace filter allows your furnace to move more air and more efficiently heat your home.

“A dirty furnace filter reduces airflow, causing your furnace fan to use more energy to heat your home,” says Derrick Nykoluk, a member of SaskEnergy’s Customer Solutions team. “A clean filter can improve furnace efficiency by up to one per cent.”

2. Keep heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes.
Good airflow helps heat your home more evenly.

3. Lower your thermostat by a couple of degrees while you are sleeping at night or when away from home.
Lowering your thermostat by 1°C for eight hours can reduce your energy use during that time by about two per cent. Consistently doing this over time helps lower your monthly heating bills.

So, whether you have a programmable thermostat or adjust it manually, it’s worthwhile to turn down the temperature when possible!

“Just remember not to go too low. It’s important to keep in mind the risk of water lines freezing or moisture building up in walls,” explains Derrick. “It’s generally recommended not to go below 17 °C in the winter.”

4. Install a smart or programmable thermostat.

These thermostats allow you to schedule changes to the temperature in your home. This makes it easier to capture the savings that come from lowering your thermostat!

Over the course of a year, using a programmable thermostat can save the average household around $160 a year on heating and cooling costs.

Many models cost less than $100 and pay for themselves within the first year.

5. Seal drafts around windows and doors with weatherstripping.
Re-sealing a leaky door or window can save energy and improve the comfort of your home. Replacing worn out weatherstripping on a standard-sized entry door could save more than $11 per year on heating costs. Each openable 18-inch by 36-inch window you reseal could add another $5 in annual savings.

These may seem like small changes, but the savings can quickly add up over time! The biggest factor affecting an individual customer’s bill is how much natural gas they use, particularly during colder weather when heating needs increase. For more year-round energy-saving tips, check out the Ways to Save page.

Along with energy-saving tips, you can find information about the programs and rebates SaskEnergy offers. This includes rebates for the installation of new, high-efficiency natural gas appliances in homes and businesses.

More ways to manage winter heating costs

"While there are lots of little things you can do around your home to be more energy-efficient, sometimes you need a little professional help,” Derrick says. “A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, which can lower energy use and heating costs. Regular maintenance can also help identify minor issues so they can be addressed before they become expensive repairs.”

Most qualified heating professionals conduct annual furnace inspections and maintenance. Customers looking for a qualified contractor can find a list of heating professionals through the SaskEnergy Network Members directory.

Another way to save energy and lower heating costs is by upgrading to a new, high-efficiency furnace. The average home can save up to 50 per cent on natural gas and electricity costs by upgrading from an older, low-efficiency furnace to a 97 per cent efficient model with a variable-speed motor.

A good way to help manage winter heating costs is by enrolling in our Equalized Payment Plan (EPP). This allows customers to spread their annual SaskEnergy bills equally across 12 months, making it easier to budget and avoid bills peaking in the winter months. More information on EPP and how to enroll can be found on our Manager Your Account page.