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Win-win-winter this year: stay warm AND save money

Home heating bills can take a big bite out of your monthly budget! Luckily there is a way to reduce them! Stay warm and save energy this winter with ENERGY STAR certified products.

This article was updated on January 15, 2024.

Keeping your home warm in the winter shouldn’t break your budget. But let’s face it, living in Canada presents some particular challenges. For most of us, home heating accounts for about two thirds of the energy used in our homes. That’s a big piece of any homeowner’s budget.

What if you could stay warm, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions all at the same time?

Depending on the age and condition of your home, it could be time to upgrade or retrofit your home heating system with ENERGY STAR® certified products. This will lower your heating costs, reduce your carbon footprint and keep you more comfortable. You can save even more if you purchase products that have earned the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation. These products deliver cutting-edge energy efficiency along with the latest in technological innovation.

Let’s break down the savings

ENERGY STAR certified heating equipment will help reduce your bills. And if you buy a product that has been designated as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient, you’ll save you even more.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home and are 2 to 4 times more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems, including electric resistance heating. Note that they are not part of heat recovery or energy recovery systems.

Install an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump, and you’re on your way to using 5% less energy than a standard model.

  • Boilers
  • A boiler heats water and provides either hot water or steam for radiant heating. If you upgrade from a standard gas boiler to an ENERGY STAR certified gas boiler, you could save an estimated 10% in energy costs. If you upgrade from an oil boiler, you could save about 4%.

  • Furnaces

    If it’s time to upgrade your gas furnace, remember that an ENERGY STAR certified forced-air furnace will use 6% less energy than a standard furnace. Another choice is a certified oil furnace, which will use 9% less energy than a standard model.

Geothermal systems

To reduce energy costs significantly, you must consider geothermal (ground pump) heat systems, which are 2 to 4 times more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems. This system transfers heat to or from the ground and can reduce your energy costs by almost half. Note that these systems are complicated and expensive to install and do not work for every situation. You’ll need to do your research before you choose a system.

Ready to do the math?

Close up of a hand, the index finger is pressing on a calculator with pen and notepad close by.

If you upgrade any piece of your existing home heating system with ENERGY STAR certified products – a boiler, heat pump or furnace, you can expect to save on your energy costs. While you’re upgrading, pair your new equipment with a smart thermostat, and you’ll help make the planet cleaner and greener while saving even more! Start your upgrades by contacting your local accredited heating contractor to see how you can start saving money now.

Learn more and connect with us

Looking for more tips on energy efficiency? Follow ENERGY STAR Canada on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn to maximize your energy savings and get the latest information on energy-efficient products.

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