No one likes opening their utility bill and seeing a number that makes them do a double take. But cutting down on energy costs doesn’t mean shivering through the winter or sweating in the summer. With a few smart changes, you can slash your energy bills—without sacrificing comfort.
Here are some of the best ways to cut your utility bills in half while keeping your home cozy all year long.
1. Seal the Gaps: Stop Paying for Heat That Escapes
If your home has drafty windows and doors, you’re literally paying to heat the outdoors. Air leaks waste energy and money, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder than necessary.
✔ Weatherstrip doors and windows to block drafts.
✔ Use caulking to seal cracks around windows and baseboards.
✔ Install door sweeps to stop cold air from sneaking in under doors.
Bonus Tip: Hold a candle or incense stick near window frames—if the flame flickers, you’ve got a draft that needs sealing.
2. Lower Your Thermostat (The Smart Way!)
No, we’re not telling you to freeze—but adjusting your thermostat even slightly can save big on heating costs.
✔ Lower the temperature by 3–5°C when you’re asleep or away.
✔ Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures.
✔ Keep the heat at 20–21°C when you’re home and 17–18°C at night for maximum savings.
Potential savings: Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut heating costs by up to 5%!
3. Switch to LED Bulbs—They’re Cheaper in the Long Run
Still using incandescent bulbs? You’re throwing money away on wasted energy. LED bulbs use up to 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer.
✔ Replace outdated bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
✔ Use smart bulbs with motion sensors or timers to prevent wasted electricity.
✔ Consider dimmer switches to adjust brightness and save even more energy.
Potential savings: Replacing just 10 bulbs with LEDs can save over $100 per year on electricity.
4. Use Your Appliances More Efficiently
Your washer, dryer, and dishwasher are some of the biggest energy hogs in your home. Small habit changes can add up to big savings:
✔ Wash clothes in cold water—it cleans just as well and cuts heating costs by 90%.
✔ Hang-dry laundry when possible instead of using the dryer.
✔ Run your dishwasher only when full and let dishes air dry instead of using heat dry.
Potential savings: Using cold water instead of hot in your washer can save up to $60 per year.
5. Unplug Energy Vampires
Did you know that electronics continue to use power even when turned off? TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and phone chargers silently drain energy—costing you money.
✔ Use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once.
✔ Unplug chargers, small appliances, and devices when not in use.
✔ Enable “eco mode” on TVs and computers to reduce power usage.
Potential savings: Cutting phantom power can reduce electricity bills by up to 10% per year.
6. Take Control of Your Water Usage
Hot water is the second-largest energy expense in most homes. Simple adjustments can cut your water heating costs dramatically:
✔ Install a low-flow showerhead—you’ll use 50% less water without noticing the difference.
✔ Set your water heater to 49°C (120°F)—hot enough for daily use, but not wasting energy.
✔ Fix leaky faucets—a slow drip can waste hundreds of litres per year.
Potential savings: Cutting hot water use by 15–20% can save over $100 per year on utility bills.
7. Rethink Your Heating & Cooling Habits
Your furnace and air conditioning account for over half of your home’s energy costs. Making small changes in how you heat and cool your home pays off quickly.
✔ Clean or replace air filters regularly to keep systems running efficiently.
✔ Use ceiling fans in winter to push warm air down and in summer to cool rooms naturally.
✔ Close curtains or blinds during hot summer days and open them during winter to let the sun naturally heat your home.
Potential savings: A well-maintained HVAC system can reduce energy use by 15% or more.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances (When It’s Time!)
When old appliances break down, replacing them with energy-efficient models can pay off in long-term savings.
✔ Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying new appliances.
✔ Upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater or furnace to lower long-term costs.
✔ Invest in a smart thermostat to optimize energy use.
Potential savings: A high-efficiency furnace can cut heating costs by 25% compared to an older model.
9. Insulate & Maintain Your Home
Proper insulation and maintenance ensure that you’re keeping warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer.
✔ Add insulation to your attic, walls, and basement to improve heat retention.
✔ Check for air leaks around vents, pipes, and electrical outlets and seal them.
✔ Ensure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use to prevent heat loss.
Potential savings: Proper insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by 20–30%.
10. Compare Utility Providers & Consider Solar Energy
If you’re in an area with multiple energy providers, shopping around for better rates can help lower your monthly bills. Some regions also offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades or solar panel installation.
✔ Check if your province allows energy provider switching for lower rates.
✔ Look into solar panel rebates or energy efficiency programs.
✔ Use a smart meter to track and reduce your energy use.
Potential savings: Switching to a lower-cost energy provider can cut electricity bills by 5–15%.
Final Thoughts
Cutting your utility bills doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it’s all about making smart choices. Sealing drafts, lowering energy use, and upgrading appliances when needed can add up to major savings over time.
Thinking about saving even more money? If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage in a while, you could be paying more than you need to. Use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to see if refinancing could free up extra cash for your home.
For expert mortgage advice, Contact The Local Broker today!
