As temperatures drop across Calgary, keeping your home warm can become one of the biggest household expenses of the season. The good news is that improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t always require a major renovation. Several affordable upgrades can help reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and potentially lower your winter energy bills.
Here are some budget-friendly improvements to consider before the coldest months arrive.
Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
Small gaps around windows and exterior doors can allow heated air to escape and cold air to enter. Over the course of a Calgary winter, those drafts can make rooms feel colder and cause your heating system to work harder.
Check around window frames, door frames and other exterior openings for noticeable drafts. Weatherstripping is an inexpensive way to improve the seal around movable doors and windows, while caulking can help seal small, stationary gaps.
Don’t forget the door leading to an attached garage. Because garages are typically much colder than the house, a poorly sealed door can be a significant source of heat loss.
Add or Improve Insulation
Adding insulation can be one of the more effective ways to improve a home's energy efficiency. If a major insulation project isn’t in the budget, start by checking areas where heat loss is most likely to occur.
The attic is particularly important because warm air rises. If your attic insulation is insufficient, adding more insulation can help keep heated air inside your living space.
Insulating exposed hot-water pipes is another relatively inexpensive improvement. Pipe insulation can help reduce heat loss and may help your water heater operate more efficiently.
Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy use by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home.
If your current thermostat is older, upgrading to a programmable or smart model may be a worthwhile investment. Even a modest temperature adjustment during overnight hours or while the house is empty can add up over the course of the heating season.
The key is to choose a schedule that fits your household rather than constantly adjusting the thermostat manually.
Use Window Coverings Strategically
Window coverings can provide another layer of protection against winter heat loss. Closing curtains or blinds at night can help reduce heat escaping through windows, particularly in rooms with older or less efficient windows.
During sunny winter days, opening south-facing window coverings can also allow sunlight to naturally warm your home. Close them again once the sun goes down to help retain that warmth.
Maintain Your Heating System
Before winter is fully underway, make sure your furnace and heating system are ready for the season. Replace or clean furnace filters as recommended by the manufacturer, keep vents and registers clear, and make sure furniture or other objects aren't blocking airflow.
Regular maintenance can help your heating system operate efficiently and may also help identify potential problems before they become expensive repairs.
Start Small and Prioritize
You don’t have to tackle every energy-efficiency improvement at once. Start with the areas where you are likely losing the most heat, such as drafty doors and windows, inadequate insulation or inefficient heating controls.
A few relatively small upgrades can make your home more comfortable throughout the winter while helping you manage energy costs. And because many of these improvements are inexpensive, they can be a practical first step toward larger energy-efficiency projects down the road.
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