Getting Your Home Winter-Ready: Essential Heating Tips for Canadian Winters

Canadian winters can be harsh sometimes. If your home isn’t ready to handle the cold, you could be in for a rough season. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back and help you to make your home winter-ready.

In this guide, we will share some practical tips to get your home prepped for the freezing months ahead. With a little planning and effort now, you can keep your space warm and cozy, no matter how brutal it gets outside. Let’s make sure winter doesn’t stand a chance.

Inspecting Your Furnace or Heating System

Your furnace is your home’s main defence against freezing winter nights. It isn’t one of those “if you feel like it” tasks—it’s a must-do. It needs some maintenance steps to be ready for winter.

When to Schedule a Professional Inspection

The best time to call for an HVAC inspection is early fall (September or October). Don’t wait until the first snowfall to realize your furnace isn’t cutting it. A certified HVAC technician will check everything out, from filters to burners, and let you know if any repairs are needed.

While they’re at it, ask about your furnace’s lifespan. They might be able to tell how many good years it has left so you can plan ahead.

Signs Your Furnace May Need Repairs

Although your technician will catch most issues during their inspection, there are a few things you can check yourself to know if your furnace needs repairs:

• Weird noises (banging, rattling, or squealing when it runs).
• Uneven heating.
• Higher energy bills without any change in usage.
• Furnace struggling to maintain the set temperature.
• A yellow burner flame instead of a steady blue one.
• Frequent cycling on and off or not turning on at all. 

Furnaces usually last between 15 and 20 years, but that can vary depending on how well they’re maintained and how often they’re used. Some factors, like poor upkeep or heavy usage, can shorten their lifespan.

Your technician can help you determine whether it’s time to replace your unit. If the perks of upgrading (like better efficiency, lower energy bills, and a new warranty) outweigh the headaches of high utility costs and expensive repairs, it might be time to say goodbye to your old furnace and invest in a new one.

Read more: Should You Replace Your Furnace?

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Models

Energy-efficient furnaces are a smart choice for tackling Canadian winters. To earn an ENERGY STAR® certification in Canada (or the northern U.S.), a gas furnace must have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency) of 95% or higher, meaning it uses 95% of its fuel. 

Here’s why upgrading to an energy-efficient model, like this year’s best furnaces is worth it:

• Reduced energy bills.
• Less maintenance is required.
• Lower carbon footprint.
• A safer home that’s also more appealing to potential buyers.
• Repairs may be covered under a new warranty.
• Cutting-edge features for better performance and convenience.

Curious about how much you could save? Try out our new furnace savings calculator.

Winterizing Your Home’s HVAC System

Furnace repairs are just one piece of the puzzle regarding keeping your home warm this winter. Let’s cover some other essential steps, starting with a simple but important one.

Changing Filters

HVAC filters should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, but it depends on a few factors:

• Thicker filters, like 3- to 4-inch ones, can last 6 to 9 months.
• More people in the house means more dust and debris.
• Pet hair and dander can build up fast.
• If anyone has allergies or respiratory issues, filters must be replaced more often.
• Homes in areas with high pollution, nearby construction, or lots of dust will also need more frequent changes.

Cleaning Ducts and Vents

Cleaning your ducts and vents before winter can help improve your home’s air quality and keep your HVAC system running efficiently. The average duct cleaning cost is around $375, but it can range from $250 to $500 or more, depending on your home’s size and the level of cleaning required.

Duct cleaning can provide extra benefits by removing trapped debris if you use basic flat air filters and don’t replace them often.

That said, if you have a high-quality air filtration system and regularly replace filters, you likely don’t need to clean your ducts every season.

Thermostat Calibration

Over time, a thermostat’s calibration can drift. If you notice your rooms feeling warmer or cooler than the set temperature, it’s a sign that your thermostat may need attention. Ignoring this issue could lead to short cycling.

To avoid these problems, ask a professional to check and recalibrate your thermostat. 

Covering Your AC

Deciding whether to cover your AC unit for winter depends on its location and the weather your area faces.

You should use air conditioner covers if:

• The unit is exposed to the elements, like falling leaves or icicles.
• Your area experiences heavy snowfall or extreme cold.

However, it’s better to leave it uncovered if:

• The system is sheltered, like under an overhang or roof.
• The weather in your area is relatively mild during winter.

Making Sure Vents Are Open and Unobstructed

Blocked vents can cause serious issues for your heating system. When airflow is restricted, your furnace has to work harder, which can lead to overheating and even system damage.

To avoid these problems, check all home vents to ensure they’re open and free of obstructions. Also, move any furniture, rugs, or items covering vents.

Checking Your Smoke Detectors 

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for keeping your home and family safe. Alarming stats show that about three out of five fire-related deaths occur in homes without functioning smoke alarms or none at all.

To ensure these devices do their job, remember to:

• Replace the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
• Test the devices regularly to confirm they’re working correctly.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency for Lower Heating Bills

Heating is the biggest energy expense for Canadian homes, accounting for 80.8% of total electricity use, and most of the propane or natural gas used in homes. Here’s how you can cut that number down:

Adding Plastic Window Covers On Old Windows

Old windows can be a big source of heat loss, especially in older homes. Adding plastic window covers is an easy, temporary fix to save energy and help reduce drafts and prevent warm air from escaping.

This solution works well if you need something quick and cost-effective. But for a more permanent fix, consider these options:

• Installing weather stripping to seal gaps.
• Using caulk or sealant to close cracks and leaks.
• Hanging thermal curtains to add an extra layer of insulation.

Insulating Your Home 

Proper air sealing and insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 10%. Start with your ceiling, as this is where most heat escapes during the winter. Once that’s covered, focus on underfloor and wall insulation to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.

Here are the key areas to insulate:

• Attic and ceiling spaces
• Walls (especially exterior ones)
• Floors above unheated areas like basements or garages
• Pipes, especially in colder areas of the home

Sealing Doors and Windows

Sealing gaps around doors and windows is another way to improve energy efficiency and keep warm air inside your home.

• Caulking: A sealant fills cracks and joints around windows and doors. This is ideal for fixed components that don’t move.
• Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping to seal movable parts like doors and windows.

• Caulking: A sealant fills cracks and joints around windows and doors. This is ideal for fixed components that don’t move.
• Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping to seal movable parts like doors and windows.

Over time, weather stripping can wear out or become less effective, so it’s important to inspect and replace it as needed.

Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat 

A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device remotely managing your home’s heating and cooling systems via smartphones, tablets, or voice-controlled assistants.

Most smart thermostats are compatible with existing systems. Still, it’s a good idea to consult your technician to find a model that works best with your furnace. The investment in a smart thermostat often pays off quickly with lower energy bills and more precise temperature control.

Read more: Best Smart Thermostats in Canada.

Emergency Heating Solutions and Backup Plans

No matter what, you can’t be without a heating source in Canada. Having a backup source is essential for staying safe and warm during emergencies. Here’s how to prepare:

Portable Heaters and Space Heaters

Portable heaters can provide temporary heating if your main system goes down. For situations where electricity isn’t an option, here are some alternatives:

• Propane Heaters: These are portable and can heat small spaces efficiently. Look for models that are safe for indoor use.
• Kerosene Heaters: Another good option for backup heating, but ensure proper ventilation to avoid fumes.
• Portable Gas Fireplaces: These can provide heat without relying on electricity and add a bit of ambiance.
• Wood-Burning Stoves: If you have one installed, it’s a reliable way to heat your home during power outages.

For those seeking a reliable and versatile setup, a heat pump and furnace combination (hybrid heating) can be an efficient solution. During milder temperatures, the heat pump efficiently provides heating while using less energy. When the weather turns extreme, the furnace takes over to produce heat even in the harshest conditions.

Preparing for Power Outages

Although power outages aren’t very common in Canada, they can be a real discomfort when they happen out of the blue. Being prepared is key to staying safe and comfortable. Here are some tips:

• Close gas lines if authorities instruct or you suspect a leak.
• Use blankets and warm clothing as extra layers to conserve body heat.
• Invest in a backup generator to keep your heating system running.
• Stock up on firewood if you have a wood-burning stove.

Common Heating Mistakes to Avoid in Winter

Home heating is about more than just having the right equipment. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your home warm and energy bills low:

• Do not neglect regular maintenance. It can lead to breakdowns and inefficiencies.
• Do not place furniture or dry clothes directly on radiators or baseboard heaters.
• Do not leave the heating on all day. Some people think it’s more efficient than turning it on and off as needed. It’s not. You don’t want to turn your heating off entirely, but instead set your temperature a few degrees cooler, ideally with a smart thermostat’s scheduling function.
• Some people believe that setting the thermostat to a higher temperature will warm the house faster—it won’t, as thermostats regulate the final temperature, not the heating speed.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Comfortable All Winter Long

Winter and comfortable? If that sounds like a contradiction to you, try these tips to make your winter more enjoyable:

Utilize Rugs and Carpets

Rugs and carpets cover bare floors to add insulation and warm your feet. Look for materials like wool or thick synthetic fibres for better insulation. 

Be cautious, though—dust and small particles can accumulate and end up in furnace filters, so keep up with regular vacuuming.

Optimize Thermostat Settings

Experts recommend turning on your heating system when indoor temperatures consistently drop below 18°C (64°F).

Set the thermostat to around 68°F (20°C) when home and lower it when away or sleeping to keep a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency. 

Best Temperature When You Are Away

If you live in a region where temperatures often drop below freezing, remember about your pipes and appliances. Frozen pipes are the last thing you want to deal with. Set your thermostat to about 50–55°F (10–13°C) while you’re away to keep everything safe.

Close Off Unused Rooms

If there are rooms in your home that you rarely use, keep their doors closed during the winter. This helps concentrate heat in the areas you use most.

Setting Your Humidifier

Using a humidifier during the winter helps maintain a comfortable environment. Aim for a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%. 

Improve Air Quality

Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture airborne particles, improving air quality during the winter months. You can also add indoor plants, like spider plants or peace lilies.

Maintaining Airflow Throughout the Home

Keep interior doors open to facilitate air circulation. It prevents stagnant areas and promotes consistent heating. 

Staying Warm and Safe This Winter

If you’re planning an annual inspection for the upcoming winter, September or October is a great time to book it. Technicians are less busy compared to peak winter months, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system is ready. However, if you’re already experiencing issues with your furnace, now is the time to take action before it’s too late.

Maintenance goes a long way and could save you from the expense of a full furnace replacement. Get a free quote from your local HVAC pros today!