There’s nothing like staying warm and cozy during the cold Canadian winters. For many, it’s the best time of the year! However, this season often brings higher utility bills as we spend most of our time inside, using more electricity, water, and heat. Are you looking for ways to save on energy costs as the temperature drops below freezing? We compiled our top 10 tips to help you save this winter.
- Ensure the Dishwasher is Full Before You Run It
Fewer loads can mean less water and hydro consumption. Put your dirty dishes straight into the dishwasher and run it once it’s full. This keeps your kitchen sink and counter space free of clutter and saves costs. You can also hand wash your plates, cups, and cutlery so you can reuse them immediately, which means you may not need to run a load for up to a week or more.
- Not in Use? Shut it Off.
Remember to turn off your lights before going to bed or leaving your home. It’s also important to unplug lamps where possible because many electrical devices can continually siphon energy from the grid even when not in use. If your apartment allows, you can switch incandescent bulbs for LED for more efficiency and money savings.
- Ventilation Protection
Keep your vents clear of furniture and appliances so that air can circulate more efficiently. This is important for regulating indoor temperatures, relative humidity, and air quality. If you block vents and registers, heat may not distribute evenly, and particles may build up, causing the entire system to work harder than it needs to.
- Open Your Drapes and Blinds on a Sunny Day
Take advantage of natural sunlight – and the heat it generates – by letting it enter your home. On bright, sunny days, even in the winter, solar energy can warm up your apartment and reduce the run time of your heating system, lowering your energy bills. If you have south-facing windows, harnessing radiant heat can work in your favour because the sun’s path goes from east to west, closer to the southern horizon.
- Be Patient While Waiting for Your Home to Heat Up
Depending on the size of your unit, it might take longer than expected to heat each room up sufficiently. If you suspect problems with the furnace, baseboard heaters or otherwise, get in touch with your landlord.
- Unplug Electronics When You Are Not Using Them
From phone chargers to old freezers that are nearly empty, take the time to minimize the number of items that are plugged in. Some don’t make sense to unplug, such as the TV or fridge, so focus on those that aren’t everyday essentials.
- Use Rugs to Suppress Noise and Increase Warmth
Rugs not only help insulate your floors but help cut down on noise as well. Wool rugs are a great option for this reason. They can make a room cozier and warmer and ensure that your feet don’t get cold while walking around. For added warmth, try an energy-efficient space heater with a built-in thermostat to regulate the temperature in any room, like your office, living room or bedroom.
- Buy a Humidifier or a Few House Plants to Help Add Moisture to the Air
Keeping your indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is good for your health, wellness, the materials within your home (especially woods), and airborne infection control. Don’t overlook it! Our recommendation is a cool mist humidifier with a built-in and reliable hygrometer (ideally one with a top-fill function so you won’t dread the upkeep). Snake plants, rubber plants, and peace lilies are also great ways to help clean and maintain your indoor air.
- Avoid Heating Unused Rooms by Closing the Doors
This is a good way to use your heating sparingly while ensuring occupied spaces are comfortable. You can also preserve heat in certain rooms by keeping the doors shut.
- Bundle Up!
Invest in flannel or fleece sheets to help you stay warm. You can also bundle up around your place with thick socks and sweaters to avoid cranking up your heating system.
If you currently rent an apartment with InterRent, use these tips to help you save on energy costs this winter. Are you looking for a new place to make yourself cozy? View our available apartment listings across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia!