When the weather outside is frightful (and cold!), keeping your home warm and cozy is essential - and these days, doing so efficiently is just as important. In Canada, space heating accounts for about 61 per cent of total residential energy use, making it one of the biggest contributors to emissions. Fortunately, there are now more ways than ever to heat your home sustainably - without sacrificing comfort.
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season and colder weather ahead, here’s how to take a layered, “winter-green” approach to home heating - helping you stay warm while lowering your costs and carbon footprint.
Layer 1: Minimize heat loss
Before upgrading your heating system, start by tightening up your home’s “thermal envelope.” Preventing heat from escaping is the most cost-effective way to improve comfort and efficiency.
- Check for air leaks: Inspect windows, doors, and other openings for drafts. Replace or add weatherstripping and seal any cracks or gaps in your walls or foundation.
- Seal your fireplace: Even a closed damper can leak a surprising amount of heat. Properly sealing your fireplace can reduce heating needs by up to 14 per cent. Consider installing a glass door or cover when it’s not in use.
- Insulate your water heater: If you have an older electric water heater, wrap it in an insulation blanket designed for that purpose - it can cut energy loss by up to 40 per cent.
- Upgrade insulation: If your walls or attic are poorly insulated, improving them can make a huge difference in retaining heat and reducing energy use.
Layer 2: Optimize what you have
Once your home is sealed and insulated, look for simple ways to fine-tune your heating efficiency.
- Install a smart thermostat: A properly programmed smart thermostat can reduce heating costs by up to 10 per cent. For best results, install it on an interior wall away from vents, drafts, and direct heat sources.
- Set it to 20°C when you’re home.
- Lower it to 17°C overnight or when you’re away.
- Add rugs and curtains: Thick rugs and insulated curtains add an extra layer of warmth, especially on bare floors and drafty windows.
- Reverse your ceiling fan: Run it clockwise during winter to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Limit door traffic: Reducing the number of times doors are opened helps keep warm air in and cold air out.
Layer 3: Look to the future
When it’s time to replace or upgrade your heating system, consider investing in new technologies that improve efficiency and lower emissions.
Cold climate air-source heat pumps: These high-efficiency systems transfer existing heat from outdoor air into your home in winter, and reverse the process to cool your home in summer.
Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps: These systems draw heat from the ground in winter and disperse it back underground in summer, offering exceptional efficiency and year-round comfort.
Stay warm and live greener
A sustainable home heating strategy doesn’t have to happen all at once. Think of it like layering your winter clothing - start with the basics (insulation and sealing), add smart optimizations, and plan for efficient upgrades over time.
By taking a “layered” approach, you’ll enjoy a cozier home, lower costs, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping protect the planet - one warm, green layer at a time.