Learn how to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient this winter

Utilities Kingston is pleased to share helpful tips and resources to support residents in staying warm, managing heating costs, and enhancing energy efficiency throughout the winter months. 

Heating accounts for over sixty per cent of annual home energy costs in Ontario. Fortunately, making small changes, like installing a smart thermostat, can make a big difference in both comfort and efficiency.  

"Upgrading to a smart thermostat is one of the easiest ways you can improve your home's heating efficiency and take control of your energy use," says Caro Casista, conservation coordinator and energy expert at Utilities Kingston. "By automatically adjusting temperatures to match your schedule, smart thermostats enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency, making them a valuable addition to any home.” 

In addition to upgrading your thermostat, there are several other simple steps you can take to boost heating efficiency: 

• Lower your thermostat by just 1°C - Natural Resources Canada recommends 17°C when sleeping or away and 20°C when at home. 
• Perform regular furnace maintenance to ensure optimal operation.
• Insulate your home and seal any gaps or drafts to prevent heat loss.
• Use natural sunlight to warm your home during the day.
• Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air downward.
• Use space heaters wisely in occupied rooms, ensuring they’re not left on in unoccupied areas. 

These easy actions, combined with the right tools, will help keep your home warm and energy-efficient all season long. 

For more ways to manage your utility bills this winter, explore rebates and incentives available at UtilitiesKingston.com. 

Want to learn more? Speak directly with a Utilities Kingston energy expert by calling 613-546-1181, ext. 2765, or emailing Conservation@UtilitiesKingston.com.