5 Tips to Stay Warm This Winter Without Breaking the Bank
1.) Layer Up and Dress for Warmth Indoors
Sometimes the simplest tip is the most effective: dress in layers. Cozy sweaters, thick socks, and slippers do more than keep you comfortable—they let you keep the thermostat at a reasonable level without sacrificing warmth.
Instead of relying on your furnace alone, let your clothing do some of the heavy lifting. Wool or fleece layers trap body heat better than cotton, and a soft throw blanket on the couch makes evenings much cozier. It’s a low-cost way to beat the chill, especially during Ontario’s coldest months.
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2.) Use Sunlight and Window Coverings to Your Advantage
The sun is a free heat source—so take advantage of it whenever possible. Open curtains on sunny days to let natural warmth flood into your home, especially on south-facing windows. When the sun sets, close blinds and curtains tightly to help insulate against the cold night air.
Adding heavy curtains or thermal drapes is another inexpensive upgrade that can make a surprising difference. Not only do they keep the warmth in, but they also help reduce drafts that sneak in through older windows.
3.) Use Sunlight and Window Coverings to Your Advantage
The sun is a free heat source—so take advantage of it whenever possible. Open curtains on sunny days to let natural warmth flood into your home, especially on south-facing windows. When the sun sets, close blinds and curtains tightly to help insulate against the cold night air.
Adding heavy curtains or thermal drapes is another inexpensive upgrade that can make a surprising difference. Not only do they keep the warmth in, but they also help reduce drafts that sneak in through older windows.
4.) Keep the Cold Out and the Warm Air In
Your heating system works hard all winter, but much of that warmth can escape through small gaps and leaks. Weather-stripping around doors, sealing basement drafts, and checking that windows are properly closed all go a long way toward keeping your house comfortable.
It’s also worth taking a walk around your home to check air vents. Make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains—blocked vents prevent even heating and make some rooms feel colder than others. A little airflow adjustment can help balance your home’s comfort.
5.) Add Moisture to the Air With a Humidifier
Winter air in Ontario is notoriously dry. Dry air doesn’t just affect your skin and sinuses—it also makes your home feel cooler than it really is. Adding humidity helps the air feel warmer and more comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Portable humidifiers can be placed in bedrooms and living areas, or you can install a whole-home humidifier that connects directly to your furnace. Not only does this improve comfort, but it can also help protect wood floors and furniture from cracking during the heating season.
Bonus: Smart Heating Habits That Save Money
Setting your thermostat wisely makes a big impact on both comfort and energy bills. According to Natural Resources Canada, the ideal setting is around 20°C during the day and 17°C at night. Lowering the temperature even slightly when you’re asleep or away can lead to noticeable savings over the course of a long winter.
A smart thermostat makes this easier by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your routine. Over time, this helps reduce wasted energy while keeping your home consistently comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I turn my heat down when I’m not home?
Why does my house still feel cold even when the thermostat is set correctly?
Is it better to use space heaters instead of turning up the furnace?
Do humidifiers really make a difference in winter?
What’s the best way to keep heating bills low without freezing?
Need Help Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter?
Staying comfortable in an Ontario winter doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. At Climate Works Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve helped thousands of families across Ottawa and the GTA keep their homes warm and efficient all season long.
From furnace tune-ups to heat pump installations, our team of experts is here to help. Call us today or schedule a service visit to make sure your home is ready for the cold.
Contact Us
Ottawa (Headquarters)2639 Pollock Rd.
Richmond, ON, K0A 2Z0
info@climateworks.ca | 613-838-9989
Toronto & GTA
1883 Mattawa Ave.
Mississauga, ON, L4X 1K8
gtaestimating@climateworks.ca | 437-317-0699
