Winter is coming, but are you prepared? To assist you in getting ready for the colder months we’ve put together a guide that outlines the things you can check yourself and what energy efficiency upgrades can help keep you cozy.

But when should you turn on the heat?

Deciding when to turn the heat on is a long-standing debate. According to Aaron Taylor, Clean Foundation’s Senior Technical Manager, a good rule of thumb is to turn on the heat once it starts feeling cold inside your home, not just outside. For reference, in the Maritime region, most homes have to turn the heat on sometime between mid-September and late October.

Taylor also recommends maintaining a temperature range of 19 to 21 degrees Celsius for optimal comfort and efficiency. We understand that some of you may prefer to crank the heat, but for maximum efficiency, turning down the thermostat and wearing a sweater can make a big difference. Taylor’s advice? Keep your feet warm!

Signs your home may require energy upgrades

According to Taylor, there are several clear indicators that it’s time to make some changes around your home. While a Home Energy Assessment provides a detailed overview of your home’s needs, here are some things you can look out for.

“The obvious sign is high heating bills,” says Taylor. “You may find drafts coming in through cracks around doors, windows or other areas of your home. Additionally, condensation or mildew forming on the interior of walls, ceilings or windows could indicate insulation issues.”

A useful way to determine if your home is using excessive energy is to compare your summer bills with your winter ones. Typically, a winter energy bill is around double the amount, but if it’s significantly more than that, it may point to efficiency issues.

By signing up for Clean Energy Financing, a Home Energy Advisor will utilize information from your old energy bills to recommend upgrades that can help you save money.