39 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Homeowners in Canada deal with extreme temperatures, making energy efficiency crucial. High utility bills and environmental concerns often stem from homes leaking energy, especially through outdated HVAC systems.

To address this, simple measures can make a big difference. In this article, we will explore practical steps to boost your home energy efficiency.

What Does Energy Efficiency at Home Involve?

Home energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing energy usage and saving money. Energy-efficient homes can help create a comfortable, sustainable living environment with minimal effort and expense.

In Canada, where climate conditions can be extreme, energy efficiency significantly impacts daily life. Scientific studies have shown that a well-regulated indoor environment is key to promoting physical health and well-being.

On a macro level, they contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced environmental footprint, aligning with a broader national commitment to sustainability.

Energy efficiency at home involves:

• Optimizing heating and cooling to improve thermal comfort
• Implementing small changes that collectively reduce energy consumption
• Enhancing indoor air quality and overall health
• Adapting homes to better withstand Canada’s varied climate conditions
• Achieving a balance between comfort, expense, and environmental responsibility.

Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Below are many strategies to help Canadian homeowners save on energy costs while maintaining comfort and sustainability.

1. Do an Energy Audit

Energy audits include hiring a registered energy advisor who will assess your home’s interior and exterior. The process involves evaluating insulation, HVAC systems, and appliance efficiency. Typically, this service costs between $200 and $600. Some energy audit providers in Canada include Canada Energy Audit, ECO Canada, and AmeriSpec.

Energy audits fall into three categories:

• Level 1 audits: Basic walkthroughs to identify quick energy-saving opportunities.
• Level 2 audits: More in-depth, often used in commercial buildings to study energy usage.
• Level 3 audits: Comprehensive analyses focused on capital-intensive improvements.

The duration of an energy audit varies, ranging from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your home’s size and characteristics.

2. Caulk and Weather Strip

Caulking involves applying a sealant to cracks and joints, while weather stripping seals movable components like doors and windows.

Implementing these techniques is highly cost-effective, with most experts agreeing that the energy savings will cover the costs within a year. You can choose to do it yourself or hire a contractor.

However, while caulking and weather stripping are beneficial, they don’t substitute for adequate insulation in your home.

3. Insulate

In the colder months, homes can lose 25% to 35% of heat through the ceiling, 15% to 25% through walls, and 10% to 20% through floors and windows.

Effective insulation can save up to 10% on your home’s heating and cooling expenses.

Start with the ceiling because it’s where most heat escapes in winter and enters in summer. Once that’s done, move to underfloor and wall insulation to prevent unwanted heat flow further.

4. Adjust the Thermostat

Dropping your home’s temperature by two to three degrees Celsius when you’re asleep or away is effective for energy saving.

Set your thermostat to 17°C during these times and to a comfortable 20°C when you’re active at home. An ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat can automate this process.

The Department of Energy has found that you can save approximately 1 percent on your energy bill for every degree you lower the thermostat over eight hours.

5. Get a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maintaining your home’s comfort and optimizing energy use. They adjust your heating and cooling based on your daily routine, learning your preferences to maximize energy savings automatically.

With a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere via a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Prices vary, starting at around $100, and can go above $500 for advanced models.

According to Nest Labs, switching to a smart thermostat could cut your heating costs by 10–12 percent, translating to an annual saving of about $131-145.

For more info, read our smart thermostat buying guide.

6. Change the Filters on Your HVAC Unit

You should change your furnace filters to keep it running well to avoid spending up to $7,000 on a new one. This means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll save money.

By keeping up with this, you can use less energy—somewhere between 5% and 15% less, according to the Department of Energy.

Most experts say to change them every three months. The kind of filter you have can make a difference in how often you need to change it.

Changing your HVAC filters also has some other benefits, such as:

• Improving indoor air quality
• Less need to repair
• Good temperature control

7. Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows and doors can be a big reason your house loses heat—up to a quarter of it. Sometimes, the best thing to do is replace your old windows and frames with new ENERGY STAR® certified ones.

Energy-efficient windows usually have features like:

• Two, three, or even four layers of glass.
• Glass that keeps heat in (called low-emissivity or low-E glass).
• Gases like argon or krypton between the glass panes that don’t let heat pass through.
• Frames and parts that hold the glass (sashes) that are insulated.
• Spacers between the panes that don’t conduct heat well.
• A tight seal to stop air leaks.

If you get windows that meet Energy Star requirements, you might get some money back from Canadian rebates. Depending on how many windows you replace, you could get back $250 per window, up to $5,000 in total.

8. Plant Some Trees

If you put plants in the right spot, they give shade in the summer and block cold winds and snow in the winter.

When planting trees for energy savings, remember:

• Plant deciduous trees (Maple, Oak, and Birch ) to the south and west of your home for optimal summer shade.
• Plant evergreens (Pine, Spruce, and Fir) on the north and northwest to serve as windbreaks.
• Consider the mature size of the trees to avoid future problems with power lines or building foundations.

9. Install Awnings

Awnings provide adjustable shade to control the amount of solar energy entering through windows. External, retractable awnings are effective. They allow for natural light and views while reducing cooling energy needs—by as much as 18%, according to studies.

While awnings can lower indoor light levels, this is often a minimal trade-off for the energy savings they provide.

Even if interior lights are used more due to reduced natural light, the overall energy savings from awnings remain significant, especially in houses with energy-efficient lighting.

10. Know How to Use Window Treatments

Window treatments are more than just decorations; they are key in blocking sunlight and managing your home’s energy use.

There are several types of window treatments:

• Curtains
• Blinds and Shades
• Valances

Open blinds and curtains during daylight hours to let in natural sunlight. Then, close them at night to keep the heat in, reducing the need for additional heating and saving energy.

11. Get Energy-Efficient Appliances

Switching to ENERGY STAR® certified appliances is a smart way to lower your electricity bills and lessen your carbon footprint.

In Canada, over 80 different types of products can earn this certification, including LED light bulbs, electric vehicle chargers, clothes dryers, and air purifiers. Although these appliances cost more upfront, they usually lead to long-term savings.

12. Keep Large Appliances Clean

When appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines are dirty, they use more energy and don’t work as well. Regular cleaning leads to energy savings and keeps your home looking great.

Here’s a recommended cleaning schedule for your large appliances:

• Refrigerators and Freezers: Every 3 months
• Oven and Range: Monthly and every 3-6 months for deep cleaning
• Dishwasher: Monthly and every few months for a cleaning cycle
• Washing Machine: Monthly
• Dryer: After each use (lint trap), and every 6 months (vent and hose)

13. Get a Tankless Water Heater or Energy-Efficient Furnace

Unlike traditional models, tankless water heaters heat water on demand. This means they’re only working when you need hot water, turning out to be 24%–34% more energy efficient than tank water heaters.

Moreover, modern furnaces are far more efficient than older models. They use less fuel to generate the same amount of heat, which means lower energy bills and less environmental impact.

14. Turn Down Your Water Thermostat

Many heaters are set higher than necessary. Lowering the setting to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (about 49 degrees Celsius) is usually sufficient for most household needs and can significantly cut energy consumption.

15. Install Skylights

Adding skylights to your home is a smart way to use natural light, cutting down on electricity use. Skylights usually have insulation film, allowing light in while keeping heat transfer low. The average installation cost is around $1,750.

The installation of skylights can qualify for tax credits under specific acts, like the Emergency Stabilization Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These offer a 30% tax credit on materials and installation.

On average, skylights can save about $13 a month on energy bills.

16. Choose Lighter Paint Colours

Opting for lighter paint colors for your walls can enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Chose colors that reflect heat rather than absorbing such as:

• White
• Beige
• Light Gray

A study found that bright white walls required between 41% to 85% less electricity for lighting than black walls.

17. Change the Lights

Lighting makes up about 15% of a typical home’s electricity consumption. Switching your home’s lighting can significantly cut your electricity use.

You can see substantial savings by replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with CFLs or, even better, LEDs. LEDs are particularly efficient, using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

If you choose Energy Star® certified LED bulbs, your energy savings can increase even more. The average household can save about $225 annually by making this switch.

18. Air Dry Your Clothing

Dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in a home, with an average of $5.53/month to run. Air drying reduces electricity or gas consumption, reduces utility bills, and lessens your environmental impact.

19. Upgrade the HVAC System

Modern HVAC systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing energy bills and environmental footprint.

Signs that you might need a new HVAC system include:

• Furnace life over 15 years
• Air conditioner life over 10 years
• Heat pump life over 15 years
• Water heater life over 8 years

20. Address Drafty Doors and Windows

Drafty doors and windows can lead to significant energy loss in your home. Drafts are common with older, single-pane windows and can also occur in double or triple-pane windows when the seal fails.

To tackle this issue, you can opt for repairs or temporary fixes like installing draft stoppers, using plastic window wrap, or adding storm windows.

However, for a long-term solution and to permanently eliminate drafts, replacing the windows is the best option.

21. Update the Electrical System

In Canada, the average household consumes about 11,135 kWh of electricity annually. Updating your home’s electrical system may help decrease this consumption. A recent study has shown that such modernizations can lead to up to 30% energy savings.

Signs you might need an electrical service upgrade include:

• Frequent power outages
• Increased electrical demand
• Flickering lights or buzzing sounds
• Electrical systems over 40 years old

Upgrading home electrical service in Canada varies, typically from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.

22. Change to a Metal Roof

Metal roofs are highly reflective, bouncing back the sun’s UV and infrared rays that contribute to surface heat on the roof. This reflection can lead to a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs.

However, it’s important to note that metal roofs can be significantly more expensive than other roofing materials. While asphalt shingles typically cost between $2.75 and $5.75 per square foot, metal roofing can range from $7 to $24 per square foot.

23. Install Rooftop Solar

A study focusing on Ontario reveals that doubling the province’s solar generation capacity could decrease costs for the entire energy system by up to $250 million annually by 2030.

Every 1,000 kWh generated can save around CA$1,920. The cost of solar panel installation in Canada averages around CA$3.34 per watt, as reported by EnergyHub.org.

Although the initial investment might seem high, a typical solar panel installation is expected to pay for itself within 8 to 15 years.

For more details, read our guide on Buying Solar Panels in Canada.

24. Add External Wall Insulation

Adding external wall insulation to your home is an effective way to cut heating costs significantly. In some cases, installing an external wall insulation system can reduce these costs by up to 40%.

There are two main types of exterior wall insulation:

1. Spray Foam Insulation: This type is applied wet and expands into a thick foam, sealing gaps and providing a high level of insulation. The average cost for spray foam insulation ranges from $1.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
2. Blown-In Insulation: This involves blowing insulative material into wall spaces, which is ideal for retrofitting older homes without damaging walls. The cost for blown-in insulation typically ranges from $930 to $2,085.

25. Insulate Your Flooring

Insulating your floors is an effective way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. The cost of floor insulation installation typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, varying based on the size of the area, labor, and materials used.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost per square foot for different types of floor insulation:

• Fiberglass Batt: Around $1 per square foot. Fits between standard joists and studs.
• Foam Board: Approximately $1 per square foot. High insulation value and can be used under floors to prevent heat loss.
• Spray Foam: Costs about $2.50 per square foot. Expands to fill gaps and cracks, providing an airtight seal.
• Vapor Barrier: Ranges between $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot. Prevent moisture buildup.

26. Add Roof & Loft Insulation

Adding insulation to your roof and loft is a long-term investment in energy efficiency. Loft insulation can last between 80 to 100 years. In the Toronto area, attic insulation costs typically range from CAD$1.5 to CAD$3.50 per square foot. This means for an average-sized attic, you can expect to spend between CAD$1,700 and CAD$2,100.

27. Do Some Draught Proofing

Draught proofing can save approximately $60 per year. If you opt for professional draught-proofing, it might cost around $330 for an entire house. However, taking a DIY approach can be more economical.

28. Get a Heat Pump

Cold climate heat pumps are two to four times more efficient than traditional furnaces and pose no carbon monoxide risk.

Many Canadian homeowners can use federal or provincial rebates to install heat pumps. While the initial cost can range from $3,500 to $15,000, these rebates, along with the long-term energy savings, often make heat pumps a cost-effective option.

For more info: Heat Pump Buying Guide

29. Switch Shower Heads and Toilets

Install water-saving shower heads that use less than 7.6 liters per minute to reduce hot water usage. A high-efficiency shower head can save water during a 5-minute shower, which typically uses 75–90 liters.

Opt for showers over baths for more savings. Additionally, switch to low-flow toilets, using about 4.8 litres per flush, to significantly cut down water consumption.

30. Look for Leaky Faucets

The EPA estimates that the average household loses about 10,000 gallons of water yearly due to leaks. A faucet dripping at a rate of one drip per second can waste over 3,000 gallons annually. Make sure to fix leaky faucets to conserve water and reduce utility bills.

Also, choose faucet aerators with a flow rate of 3.0 to 5.7 litres per minute to minimize water consumption.

31. Fix the Fireplace

To make your fireplace more energy-efficient, consider the following fixes:

• Chimney Sweeping: Regularly clean your chimney to ensure proper airflow and efficient burning.
• Masonry Repairs: Fix any damaged fireplace structure to prevent heat loss.
• High-Efficiency Inserts: Upgrade your fireplace with high-efficiency inserts that burn fuel more effectively.
• Fireplace Blower Installation: Blowers help circulate warm air throughout the room.
• Sealing and Insulating: Proper sealing and insulation around the fireplace prevent heat loss.

When selecting gas fireplaces, check for the EnerGuide label in the product literature.

32. Switch to Low-Carbon Heating

Low-carbon heating options, like heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and biomass boilers, use renewable resources or operate more efficiently than traditional heating methods.

• Heat Pumps: These systems are incredibly efficient as they transfer heat instead of generating it. They can double as cooling systems in summer.
• Solar Thermal Systems: These harness solar energy to heat your home’s water.
• Biomass Boilers: If you have access to sustainable biomass fuels, these boilers can be a greener heating option, burning organic materials like wood pellets.

33. Wash Laundry in Cold Water and Hang to Dry

Using hot water for both washing and rinsing consumes about 4.5 kWh per load, costing around $0.68 at $0.15 per kWh. In contrast, washing and rinsing in cold water use just 0.3 kWh per load, costing only $0.04. This switch to cold water washing can save you approximately 94% per load in energy costs.

34. Unplug Rarely Used Devices

Did you know that leaving a TV on standby can cost around $16 (£12) in electricity each year? The United States Department of Energy has found that by unplugging devices not in use (also called phantom power consumption), homeowners can save between $100 and $200 annually.

Here’s a list of vampire devices that waste energy when left on standby:

1. Central Heating Furnace
2. Gaming Console
3. Computer
4. Washing Machine
5. Microwave
6. Television
7. Printer
8. Kettle
9. Mobile Chargers

35. Tend to Your Furnace

For efficient heating, keep your furnace in good shape by regularly changing the filters and having a professional check it each year. Lower the thermostat when not at home or during the night. Also, ensure your ducts are sealed and insulated properly.

36. Use Ceiling Fans

In hotter climates, combining ceiling fans with air conditioning can be a smart energy-saving strategy. Ceiling fans use approximately 1% of the electricity consumed by air conditioners. For example, running a ceiling fan continuously for 24 hours uses the same amount of electricity that an air conditioner would use in about 14.4 minutes.

Ceiling fans are not only energy-efficient but also require minimal maintenance. They provide a gentle breeze without drying out the air.

37. Run Large Appliances in the Evening

Running your large appliances during off-peak hours can substantially save your electricity bills. Generally, the electricity demand is at its lowest from 7 pm to 7 am on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends and holidays.

However, it’s important to note that the specific off-peak hours can vary depending on your location in Canada, such as Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, etc.

38. Install a Clothesline

Typically, drying a load of laundry in a gas dryer costs about CAD 0.20 to CAD 0.34, whereas an electric dryer can cost around CAD 0.40 to CAD 0.54 per load. You can save all of that while air-drying your clothes.

39. Automate Usage

To optimize energy efficiency, consider using automation devices. Some notable automation devices include:

1. Smart thermostats
2. Smart plugs
3. Smart lighting systems
4. Home energy monitors
5. Smart irrigation controllers
6. Water leakage sensors

Final Thoughts

Residing in a home that aligns with sustainability values can instill a sense of pride and responsibility. It contributes to a more mindful lifestyle, where

Let’s all try these useful tips and see how much energy we can save.