Key Takeaways
- Annual furnace maintenance and regular filter changes help your system run efficiently.
- A programmable or smart thermostat lets you lower temperatures when you're asleep or away.
- Sealing drafts and improving insulation reduce the heat your furnace has to replace.
- If your furnace is old or struggling, upgrading to a high-efficiency model may be worth exploring.
When January temperatures in Ottawa drop below −25 °C, furnaces run for hours at a time and Enbridge Gas bills climb. You cannot change the weather, but there is a lot you can do to lower heating bills in Ottawa without sacrificing comfort. Some steps are free, some are inexpensive, and some are larger investments that pay off over many winters.
Here are practical, proven-in-the-field tips from the KAD Mechanical & HVAC team, based on more than 10 years of servicing homes across Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven and Orleans.
Start With Your Furnace
Your furnace does most of the work during an Ottawa winter, so it is the first place to look.
Book annual maintenance
A professional tune-up cleans and inspects key components, checks gas pressure and combustion, tests safety controls, and confirms that venting is clear. A furnace that is clean and properly adjusted runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down on the coldest night of the year. Our furnace and water heater maintenance service is ideally booked in the fall, before the heating season ramps up.
Change your filter regularly
A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and run longer. Check your filter monthly during winter and replace it when it looks dirty. Your filter's size and type determine how often it needs changing; a technician can recommend the right schedule for your home.
Keep vents and returns clear
Furniture, rugs and curtains covering supply registers or return grilles disrupt airflow. Walk through your home and make sure every vent can breathe. Outside, keep the furnace's intake and exhaust vents clear of snow and ice after storms.
Smart Thermostat Habits to Lower Heating Bills in Ottawa
How you control your heat matters as much as the equipment itself.
- Lower the temperature when you're asleep or away. A few degrees cooler overnight or during the workday reduces how long your furnace runs.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Schedules make savings automatic, and smart models let you adjust from your phone if your plans change.
- Avoid cranking the thermostat up. Setting it higher does not heat your home faster; it just makes the furnace run longer once it reaches your normal temperature.
- Be consistent. Frequent manual changes tend to waste energy compared with a steady schedule.
If you have an older thermostat, upgrading can be one of the simplest improvements you make. Make sure the new model is compatible with your furnace, especially if you have a two-stage or variable-speed system.
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Seal the Drafts
Every bit of warm air that escapes has to be replaced by your furnace. Older homes in neighbourhoods like Westboro, Alta Vista and Old Ottawa East often have more air leaks than newer builds, but every home can benefit from a check.
- Weatherstrip doors and windows, including the door to an attached garage.
- Caulk gaps around window frames, baseboards and where pipes or wires pass through walls.
- Add foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.
- Check the attic hatch, which is a common source of heat loss if it is not insulated and sealed.
- Close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use.
Improve Insulation Where It Counts
Insulation keeps heat where you want it. The attic is usually the most important area, since warm air rises. Basement walls and rim joists are also common weak spots in Ottawa homes. An energy assessment can help you prioritize upgrades and identify any rebate programs available at the time you plan the work.
Use Free Heat From the Sun
On sunny winter days, open blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to let sunlight warm your rooms. Close them at night to add a layer of insulation against cold glass. Insulated or thermal curtains can make a noticeable difference in drafty rooms.
Don't Forget Humidity
Ottawa winter air is very dry once it is heated. Dry air can feel cooler than it really is, which tempts people to turn up the thermostat. Maintaining comfortable humidity, whether with a whole-home humidifier or portable units, can help your home feel warmer at a lower setting. Keep humidity moderate to avoid condensation on windows.
Look at Your Water Heater Too
Water heating is often a significant part of a household's gas usage. A few easy wins:
- Set the water heater to a sensible temperature as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Insulate accessible hot water pipes, especially in unheated basements or crawlspaces.
- Fix dripping hot water taps promptly.
- Have the tank flushed and inspected as part of regular maintenance.
When It's Time to Upgrade
If your furnace is older, frequently needs repairs, or struggles to keep up, no amount of weatherstripping will fully solve the problem. Modern high-efficiency furnaces use less fuel to produce the same heat compared with many older models. Signs it may be time to consider a replacement include:
- Rising bills without a change in how you use your home
- Uneven heating, with some rooms always cold
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Repeated furnace repairs
Don't forget the water heater. An older tank that is full of sediment uses more gas to heat the same water, and replacing it at the same time as the furnace can simplify venting. Learn more about furnace and water heater installation in Ottawa.
Every home is different, so costs and savings vary with the size of your home, its insulation, your current equipment and how you use it. We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees and free quotes on new installations.
A Quick Checklist to Lower Heating Bills in Ottawa This Winter
- Book a furnace tune-up before the deep cold arrives.
- Check your furnace filter monthly.
- Program your thermostat for nights and workdays.
- Seal drafts around doors, windows and the attic hatch.
- Keep registers and outdoor vents clear.
- Use sunlight during the day and curtains at night.
- Maintain comfortable indoor humidity.
Talk to a Certified Technician Today
Call (613) 790-2675 or request your free quote online — we respond fast.
Ready to make your home more efficient? Request a free quote or call (613) 790-2675 to book a furnace tune-up with our certified technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in winter?
Choose a setting that keeps your household comfortable, then lower it by a few degrees overnight and when no one is home. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic.
How often should I service my furnace in Ottawa?
Once a year, ideally in the fall before the heating season. Regular maintenance helps your furnace run efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during cold snaps.
Will a new furnace lower my heating bills?
Replacing an older, less efficient furnace with a modern high-efficiency model can reduce gas usage, but results depend on your home, insulation and habits. A free in-home quote can help you weigh the options.
Does my water heater affect my gas bill?
Yes. Heating water is one of the bigger gas uses in most homes, and colder incoming water in winter makes the tank work harder. Regular maintenance, a sensible temperature setting and an efficient tank or tankless unit all help.
Certified, TSSA-licensed heating, water heater and gas technicians serving Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven and Orleans for 10+ years.
Next article: Smart Thermostat Ottawa Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading Before Winter?
