How to Set Your Thermostat This Winter in Ontario

Ontario winters are long, unpredictable, and expensive when it comes to home heating. One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bills—without sacrificing comfort—is by setting your thermostat strategically throughout the winter months.

Many homeowners unknowingly waste hundreds of dollars each year by keeping their thermostat higher than necessary or running their heating system constantly. The good news is that small, intentional adjustments can lead to meaningful savings while also extending the life of your furnace or heat pump.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to set your thermostat this winter to save money, what temperatures work best for Ontario homes, and how to stay comfortable—especially for families with young children.

Recommended Energy-Saving Thermostat Settings for Winter

According to Statistics Canada, most Ontario households set their thermostat between:

20°C and 22°C while at home
16°C to 18°C while asleep or away

These ranges are considered optimal for balancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Every degree above 22°C increases heating costs significantly. On average, lowering your thermostat by 3°C to 6°C for part of the day can reduce your heating bill by 5% to 15% over the winter season.

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The Lennox iComfort® Wi-Fi Thermostat gives you remote control, energy savings, and year-round comfort—all in one smart touchscreen.

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Why Lowering Your Thermostat Saves So Much Money

Your heating system works harder the bigger the gap is between indoor and outdoor temperatures. During Ontario cold snaps, that difference can already be 30°C or more.

By lowering your thermostat even slightly:

  • Your furnace runs fewer and shorter cycles
  • Electrical and mechanical strain is reduced
  • Heat loss through windows and walls slows
  • Your monthly energy bills drop immediately

Savings add up quickly over a full winter.

Staying Comfortable Without Turning Up the Heat

Saving money doesn’t mean feeling cold. Comfort is about more than just temperature.

Simple ways to stay warm while saving include:

  • Wearing layered clothing and warm socks indoors
  • Using blankets on couches and beds
  • Keeping interior doors closed to retain heat
  • Sealing drafts around windows and doors
  • Maintaining proper humidity levels

In winter, indoor humidity between 30% and 45% makes your home feel warmer at lower temperatures and improves overall comfort.

Smart Thermostats: Save Even More Automatically

Smart thermostats take energy savings a step further by learning your habits and adjusting based on weather conditions.

Benefits include:

  • Automatic energy-saving schedules
  • Remote control from your phone
  • Energy usage reports and seasonal insights
  • Improved comfort with less manual adjustment

Many homeowners see noticeable reductions in winter heating costs after upgrading to a smart thermostat.

Final Thoughts: Small Adjustments, Big Winter Savings

Setting your thermostat wisely is one of the most effective ways to save money during an Ontario winter. Keeping daytime temperatures around 20°C to 22°C and lowering them when you’re asleep or away can significantly reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

Pair smart temperature settings with proper humidity, insulation, and scheduling, and you’ll enjoy a warmer home, lower bills, and a more reliable heating system all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

20°C to 22°C while home, and 16°C to 18°C when sleeping or away.
Lowering your temperature by 3°C to 6°C can save 5% to 15% on heating costs.
Yes. Sleeping in cooler temperatures is safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Yes. Many homeowners see consistent savings through automated scheduling and energy tracking.
No. In fact, lower and consistent settings reduce strain and extend system lifespan.

Need Help Saving on Winter Heating?

If you want expert advice on thermostat settings, smart thermostat upgrades, or improving your home’s heating efficiency, the team at Climate Works is here to help.

Our certified technicians can optimize your system for comfort and savings all winter long.

Contact Climate Works today to start saving.

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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
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