Practical ways to save, ranked by impact

161 tips, sorted by impact

• Bills & ratesFree

  Keep big loads out of 4–9 p.m. on ULO

  The Ultra-Low Overnight on-peak price is 37.7¢/kWh on weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m. Avoid running the dryer, dishwasher or EV charger then, or the plan can cost more than Time-of-Use.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFree

  Check whether you qualify for OESP

  The Ontario Electricity Support Program gives lower-income households a monthly on-bill credit. It takes a few minutes to check eligibility and the credit continues month after month.

  Impacthigh

• AppliancesFree

  Retire a second, older fridge

  A pre-2000 fridge can use 1,000 kWh or more a year, versus roughly 350–450 kWh for a new ENERGY STAR model. Unplugging an old basement beer fridge can save $100 or more a year.

  Impacthigh

• HeatingFreewinter

  Set back the thermostat 2–3 °C at night and when away

  For gas-heated homes, a consistent 2–3 °C setback typically saves roughly 5–10% on heating. A programmable or smart thermostat makes it automatic.

  Impacthigh

• Heating$1,000+

  Price a heat pump when your AC needs replacing

  A heat pump cools like an air conditioner and also heats. If you are replacing central AC anyway, the added cost of a heat pump can be modest, especially with available rebates.

  Impacthigh

• HeatingFree

  Insist on a heat loss calculation before buying HVAC

  Right-sized equipment is more comfortable and efficient than oversized equipment. Ask every contractor for a room-by-room calculation, not a square-footage guess.

  Impacthigh

• Hot water$1,000+

  Consider a heat pump water heater

  A heat pump water heater can use roughly 50–70% less electricity than a standard electric tank. The HRS assessment stream has offered $500 for one, as published in mid-2026.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$100–$1,000winter

  Air seal and insulate basement rim joists

  Rim joists are often leaky and uninsulated. Sealing them with foam and adding rigid insulation can noticeably reduce drafts and heat loss.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$1,000+

  Top up attic insulation to R-50 or more

  Many older Ontario homes have only R-12 to R-20 in the attic. Upgrading toward R-50 to R-60 often cuts heating and cooling losses noticeably, and HRS has offered up to $1,250 for standalone attic insulation.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$100–$1,000

  Get a home energy assessment before major upgrades

  A Registered Energy Advisor's blower door test and report show where your home loses the most energy. It helps you prioritize and is required for the HRS assessment stream.

  Impacthigh

• EVsFree

  Charge your EV overnight on ULO

  At about 18 kWh/100 km, 15,000 km a year needs roughly 2,700 kWh. Charging at the 3.7¢ ULO overnight price instead of 9.1¢ TOU off-peak saves roughly $145 a year in commodity costs.

  Impacthigh

• SolarFree

  Compare the HRS solar rebate with net metering first

  Systems that take the HRS solar and battery rebate cannot net meter for the life of the system, so exports earn nothing. For many homes with large summer exports, net metering is worth more.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFree

  Test whether you can live with a 4–9 p.m. peak

  Ultra-Low Overnight only pays off if you keep weekday 4–9 p.m. use low, because that period costs 37.7¢/kWh. Before switching, look at a few weeks of your hourly data: if more than roughly 15–20% of your use falls in that window and you cannot shift it, Time-of-Use is usually the safer choice.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFree

  Renters who pay their own hydro can apply for OESP

  The Ontario Electricity Support Program gives a monthly on-bill credit to lower-income households, and tenants who hold their own electricity account can apply. Credits depend on household size and income; apply through the OEB's program information on oeb.ca.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFreewinter

  Ask about LEAP before a bill becomes a crisis

  The Low-income Energy Assistance Program offers one-time emergency help with overdue electricity or gas bills. Call your utility as soon as you fall behind; they can explain LEAP and arrears payment arrangements.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFreewinter

  Be careful with ULO in an all-electric home

  Heat pumps and baseboards run hard on winter evenings. In an all-electric home, heating between 4 and 9 p.m. at 37.7¢/kWh can wipe out ULO's overnight savings unless a large EV charge or stored heat moves much of your use past 11 p.m. Run your numbers before switching.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFreewinter

  Book your HRS post-retrofit assessment early

  According to Save on Energy, the 2026 assessment stream of the Home Renovation Savings Program requires the post-retrofit assessment to be scheduled by 30 November 2026, with work finished by 31 December 2026 or 180 days after the pre-assessment, whichever comes first. Confirm details on saveonenergy.ca.

  Impacthigh

• HeatingFreewinter

  Ask how your heat pump's backup heat is set

  Electric backup strips can draw 10 kW or more. Ask your contractor to confirm that auxiliary heat only comes on when the heat pump cannot keep up, not every time you raise the thermostat. A poorly set backup can double winter electricity use.

  Impacthigh

• Heating$100–$1,000

  Add a ductless mini-split in a baseboard-heated home

  A single-zone ductless heat pump typically costs about $4,500–$8,000 installed (estimate) and delivers roughly 2.5–3 units of heat per unit of electricity over a season, compared with 1 for baseboards. Keep baseboards for backup. Save on Energy lists rebates of $1,250 per ton up to $7,500 for non-gas homes through a participating contractor with pre-approval.

  Impacthigh

• Heating$1,000+

  Plan your move off oil heat

  A ducted cold-climate heat pump typically costs $12,000–$25,000 installed (estimate). Oil-heated homes may qualify for Home Renovation Savings rebates up to $7,500, and income-qualified households may qualify for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program. Confirm current intake on saveonenergy.ca before signing.

  Impacthigh

• HeatingFree

  Get pre-approval before your heat pump goes in

  According to Save on Energy, heat pump rebates through the Home Renovation Savings Program need a participating contractor, qualified equipment and pre-installation approval before work starts. A heat pump installed without approval may not qualify, so confirm in writing before the install date.

  Impacthigh

• CoolingFreesummer

  Watch AC use from 4 to 9 p.m. on ULO

  On Ultra-Low Overnight, a 3 kW central air conditioner running five hours from 4 to 9 p.m. uses about 15 kWh, roughly $5.66 at 37.7¢/kWh. Pre-cool before 4 p.m. and raise the setpoint a couple of degrees through the peak.

  Impacthigh

• Hot water$1,000+

  Check the space before buying a heat pump water heater

  Heat pump water heaters pull heat from surrounding air and cool the room. Many models need a fairly large space, often around 20 m³ of air, and a condensate drain. An unfinished basement usually works well and gets free dehumidification in summer.

  Impacthigh

• AppliancesFree

  Retire or unplug the second fridge

  An old basement or garage fridge can use 1,000 kWh a year or more, which is roughly $150 a year at a 15¢ all-in rate (estimate). If you only need it for parties, unplug it the rest of the time.

  Impacthigh

• Appliances$100–$1,000summer

  Replace a single-speed pool pump

  A variable-speed pool pump running longer at low speed often uses half or less of the electricity of a single-speed pump. Expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 installed (estimate), and schedule running hours off-peak.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$1,000+

  Insulate basement walls to R-20 or better

  Uninsulated basement walls are a major heat loss in many older Ontario homes. Insulation alone often runs roughly $3,000–$8,000 for a typical detached basement (estimate), more if finishing. Use moisture-tolerant rigid foam against the concrete, and fix water problems first.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$1,000+

  Blow insulation into empty exterior walls

  Many pre-1960 homes have little or nothing in the walls. Dense-pack cellulose blown in through small holes typically costs roughly $4,000–$10,000 for a detached home (estimate). Have knob-and-tube wiring checked by an electrician first.

  Impacthigh

• Insulation & drafts$100–$1,000

  Book blower-door-guided air sealing

  Professional air sealing guided by a blower door test often costs roughly $1,000–$3,000 (estimate) and typically targets the attic floor, rim joists and penetrations. It is often the best value upgrade in older homes, and it should be done before adding attic insulation.

  Impacthigh

• Bills & ratesFree

  Run laundry in off-peak hours

  From 1 November 2026, off-peak power on Time-of-Use costs 9.1¢/kWh versus 18.9¢ on-peak. Washing and drying after 7 p.m. on weekdays, or on weekends, roughly halves the commodity cost of each load.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Use delay-start for overnight laundry on ULO

  On Ultra-Low Overnight, power costs 3.7¢/kWh from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. A dryer load of about 3 kWh costs roughly 11¢ in commodity overnight, compared with about $1.13 during the 4–9 p.m. weekday on-peak.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Compare TOU, ULO and Tiered pricing

  Download 12 months of hourly data from your LDC account and run it through a plan comparison. Households that cannot shift use away from peaks often do better on Tiered at 11.2¢ for the first 1,000 kWh in winter.

  Impactmedium

• Hot waterFree

  Wash clothes in cold water

  Most of a washer's energy goes into heating water. Switching most loads to cold can save roughly 80–90% of the energy per wash with modern detergents.

  Impactmedium

• AppliancesFreesummer

  Line-dry clothes in summer

  Skipping the dryer for a few loads a week can save roughly 300–500 kWh a year. Indoor drying racks work in winter too, adding welcome humidity.

  Impactmedium

• Appliances$1,000+

  Consider a heat pump dryer at replacement

  Heat pump dryers use roughly half the energy of standard electric dryers and do not need an outside vent. HRS has offered up to $200 for qualifying appliances; confirm on saveonenergy.ca.

  Impactmedium

• LightingUnder $100

  Replace remaining incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs

  LEDs use about 75–85% less energy and last many times longer. Swapping five frequently used 60 W bulbs can save roughly 150–200 kWh a year.

  Impactmedium

• ElectronicsUnder $100

  Use smart power bars for entertainment and office setups

  Standby loads typically account for 5–10% of household electricity. A smart power bar that cuts power to peripherals when the TV or computer is off can save $20–$50 a year per setup.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Keep heat pump setbacks small

  Deep setbacks can trigger electric resistance backup heat during morning recovery, which is much less efficient. Keep setbacks to 1–2 °C or skip them.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingUnder $100

  Install a smart thermostat

  A smart thermostat automates setbacks and can be controlled remotely. HRS has offered a $100 rebate on qualifying models; confirm current terms.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingUnder $100winter

  Check the furnace filter monthly in winter

  A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes the blower work harder and can shorten equipment life. Replace it every one to three months depending on the filter type and household.

  Impactmedium

• Heating$100–$1,000winter

  Book an annual heating tune-up

  A licensed technician can catch problems early and keep efficiency up. Gas appliances should be serviced by a TSSA-licensed G1 or G2 technician.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Keep the heat pump outdoor unit clear of snow and ice

  Leave 30–60 cm of clearance and make sure the unit sits above typical snow depth. Do not cover it with a tarp in winter, as it needs airflow to heat.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFree

  Set the furnace fan to auto

  Running an older PSC blower motor continuously can use several hundred kWh a year. Leave it on auto unless you need constant circulation, or ask about an ECM motor.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Use ceiling fans to raise the AC setpoint

  A fan makes a room feel 2–3 °C cooler, letting you set the thermostat higher. Turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not air.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Set the AC to around 25 °C when home

  Each degree higher can cut cooling energy by a few percent. Raise it further when away rather than shutting it off completely on very hot days.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Close blinds on sunny south and west windows

  Blocking direct sun keeps a lot of heat out before it reaches the room. Exterior shading or awnings work even better than interior blinds.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Open windows on cool summer nights

  When nighttime temperatures drop below about 20 °C, opening windows and using a fan can cool the house for free. Close up in the morning before it warms up.

  Impactmedium

• Hot waterUnder $100

  Install a low-flow showerhead

  A 5.7 L/min (1.5 gpm) showerhead uses much less hot water than older 9.5 L/min heads. That can save a household roughly 10–20% on water heating.

  Impactmedium

• Hot waterFree

  Review your water heater rental contract

  Many Ontario homes rent their water heater and keep paying long after the unit's value is paid off. Check the buyout terms; owning may cost less over time.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Weatherstrip and insulate the attic hatch

  An unsealed attic hatch is a major air leak in many homes. Weatherstripping plus a piece of rigid foam on top costs under $50.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Replace worn door weatherstripping and sweeps

  If you can see daylight or feel a draft around an exterior door, the seals need work. New weatherstripping costs roughly $20–$50 per door.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100

  Caulk gaps around pipes, wires and vents

  Small holes where services pass through walls and ceilings add up to a large leak. Use fire-rated sealant around chimneys and flues.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsFreewinter

  Close the fireplace damper when not in use

  An open damper is like an open window to the outdoors. Consider a chimney balloon or a tight-fitting glass door if the fireplace is rarely used.

  Impactmedium

• EVsFree

  Schedule EV charging in the car or charger app

  Set charging to start after 11 p.m. on ULO, or after 7 p.m. on TOU weekdays. Plugging in at 5 p.m. without a schedule can mean paying on-peak prices.

  Impactmedium

• EVs$1,000+

  Use a licensed electrician and ESA permit for a Level 2 charger

  A home Level 2 charger typically costs $1,500–$3,000 installed. A proper ESA permit protects your safety and insurance.

  Impactmedium

• SolarFree

  Gather 12 months of usage before getting solar quotes

  Your LDC account shows your annual kWh use. Sizing solar to actual use matters because Ontario net metering credits expire after 12 months.

  Impactmedium

• Solar$1,000+

  Fix or replace an ageing roof before installing solar

  Panels last 25–30 years. Removing and reinstalling them for a roof replacement later can cost thousands, so start with a roof that will last as long.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Say no to door-to-door HVAC and water heater offers

  Ontario bans unsolicited door-to-door contracts for furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters and similar equipment. Get quotes on your own terms from licensed contractors.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFreewinter

  Move winter chores out of the 7–11 a.m. peak

  From 1 November to 30 April, Time-of-Use on-peak runs 7–11 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on weekdays at 18.9¢/kWh. Running the dishwasher or a load of laundry after 7 p.m. drops the commodity price to 9.1¢, about half.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFreesummer

  Know the summer peak is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  From 1 May to 31 October, Time-of-Use on-peak moves to weekday afternoons, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 18.9¢/kWh. Mornings and early evenings are mid-peak at 14.6¢, and after 7 p.m. is off-peak at 9.1¢. Plan laundry, baking and pool pumping around those hours.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Check the Tiered plan if you are home all day

  On the Tiered plan, residential customers pay 11.2¢/kWh for the first 1,000 kWh a month in winter (600 kWh in summer) and 13.2¢ above that, at any hour. Households with steady daytime use, such as people who work from home or retirees, sometimes pay less than on Time-of-Use.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Download your hourly usage data

  Most Ontario utilities let you download smart-meter data through Green Button or an online usage portal. An hour-by-hour view shows when you use power, what your baseload is overnight, and whether a different price plan would suit you.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Compare any energy retailer offer with the regulated price

  Door-to-door or phone offers from energy retailers lock in a price for several years and often cost more than the Regulated Price Plan or Enbridge's regulated gas supply rate. Compare the price per kWh or m³ and the term, and read the OEB's consumer guidance on oeb.ca before signing anything.

  Impactmedium

• Heating$100–$1,000winter

  Add an outdoor reset control to your boiler

  An outdoor reset control lowers boiler water temperature on mild days, which lets a condensing boiler actually condense and run more efficiently. It is often a few hundred dollars to roughly $800 installed (estimate). Ask a licensed gas technician whether your boiler already has one.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Review your dual-fuel changeover temperature

  In a hybrid system the thermostat switches from heat pump to gas furnace below a set outdoor temperature. With gas around 45¢/m³ and Time-of-Use electricity, the economic changeover is often around −5 °C to −10 °C. A setting far above that leaves savings on the table.

  Impactmedium

• Heating$1,000+

  Weigh geothermal carefully

  Ground-source heat pumps are very efficient but typically cost $30,000–$60,000 or more installed (estimate). Save on Energy lists up to $12,000 for homes without gas heat and $3,000 for gas-heated homes. For many gas-heated homes, a cold-climate air-source heat pump gives most of the benefit for far less.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Price out a space heater before relying on it

  A 1,500 W space heater running 5 hours uses 7.5 kWh: about $1.42 at the 18.9¢ on-peak price and 68¢ off-peak, before delivery and tax. Heating one small room for a few hours can make sense; using several heaters to heat a house costs much more than a gas furnace or heat pump.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingUnder $100winter

  Upgrade old baseboard thermostats

  Old dial-type baseboard thermostats can let temperatures swing by 2 °C or more. Electronic or programmable line-voltage thermostats cost roughly $40–$100 each (estimate) and hold temperature closely. This is line-voltage wiring, so hire a licensed electrical contractor if you are not certain.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Turn down baseboards in rooms you do not use

  With electric baseboards, each room has its own thermostat. Close the doors of spare rooms and set those thermostats to about 16 °C. Do not go lower in rooms with plumbing on exterior walls.

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Know your landlord's heating obligation

  Where the landlord supplies heat, Ontario's maintenance standards generally require at least 20 °C from 1 September to 15 June, and some cities set a higher minimum (Toronto's is 21 °C). Report cold units in writing and check your municipality's by-law for local rules.

  Impactmedium

• Heating$100–$1,000

  Seal the ducts you can reach

  Leaky joints in basement supply ducts push heated air where you do not need it and starve upstairs rooms. Seal seams with duct mastic or foil tape (not cloth duct tape). Hired duct sealing of accessible runs often costs roughly $500–$1,500 (estimate).

  Impactmedium

• HeatingFreewinter

  Put electric floor heat on a schedule

  A heated bathroom floor mat of about 4 m² draws roughly 500 W. Left on all day that is about 12 kWh. Program it for an hour or two in the morning and evening rather than leaving it running.

  Impactmedium

• Heating$1,000+

  Choose a variable-speed blower at furnace replacement

  When you replace a furnace (new gas furnaces must be at least 95% AFUE, typically $5,000–$9,000 installed), ask for a variable-speed ECM blower. It uses much less electricity at low speed, runs quieter and works better with a future heat pump coil.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingUnder $100summer

  Right-size a window air conditioner

  An oversized window unit cools quickly but leaves the room clammy. As a rough guide, a 5,000–6,000 BTU/h unit suits a 10–20 m² (about 100–250 sq ft) bedroom. Choose an ENERGY STAR model and check the CEER rating.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsFreewinter

  Take the window AC out before winter

  A window unit left in place all winter is a large air leak. Remove it in the fall, or if that is not possible, fit an insulated cover and seal the edges.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingUnder $100summer

  Choose a dual-hose portable AC if you need one

  Single-hose portable air conditioners exhaust indoor air outdoors, which pulls hot outside air in through every gap. A dual-hose model, or a window unit where allowed, cools the same room with less energy.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingUnder $100summer

  Shade south and west windows from outside

  Exterior shading stops heat before it reaches the glass. Awnings, exterior blinds or a deciduous tree on the west side cut afternoon heat gain in summer while letting winter sun in once the leaves drop.

  Impactmedium

• Cooling$1,000+summer

  Choose a variable-speed system when replacing AC

  A new central air conditioner typically costs $5,000–$9,000 installed (estimate). Variable-speed (inverter) models run longer at low output, which removes more humidity and avoids temperature swings. A cold-climate heat pump costs more but also covers much of your heating.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Think twice about recharging an R-22 air conditioner

  Very old air conditioners use R-22, which is no longer produced or imported in Canada, so recharges are costly and the leak usually returns. If an R-22 unit needs refrigerant, put the money toward a properly sized replacement.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Use a fan and raise the setpoint at night

  A bedroom fan uses about 30–60 W and makes you feel 2–3 °C cooler. Set the AC 1–2 °C higher overnight and let the fan do the rest.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingUnder $100summer

  Tame heat gain in a glass-walled condo

  Floor-to-ceiling glass on south or west faces can overwhelm a suite's fan coil. Light-coloured blinds or cellular shades kept closed in the afternoon help, and window film may be possible with board approval. Check your condo rules before applying anything to the glass.

  Impactmedium

• CoolingFreesummer

  Know what afternoon cooling costs

  A central AC drawing about 3 kW for four hours on a summer weekday afternoon uses roughly 12 kWh: about $2.27 at the 18.9¢ on-peak price. Raising the setpoint 1–2 °C during those hours, or pre-cooling in the morning, trims that cost on every hot day.

  Impactmedium

• Hot water$1,000+

  Check whether tankless makes sense for you

  A gas tankless water heater avoids tank standby losses but often costs roughly $3,000–$6,000 installed (estimate), and may need a larger gas line and new venting. Savings over a modern tank are modest for many households, so compare total cost and any rental buyout first.

  Impactmedium

• Hot water$100–$1,000

  Consider drain water heat recovery

  A drain water heat recovery pipe on the main drain stack warms incoming cold water with heat from shower water going down the drain. Units commonly cost roughly $800–$1,500 installed (estimate) and make the most sense in homes with frequent showers and an accessible vertical drain.

  Impactmedium

• Hot waterUnder $100

  Put a hot water recirculation pump on a timer

  A recirculating pump that runs 24 hours a day keeps pipes hot and the water heater firing. A timer or on-demand button so it runs only around morning and evening use cuts that loss.

  Impactmedium

• AppliancesUnder $100

  Clean the dryer vent duct

  A crushed or lint-filled dryer duct lengthens drying time and is a fire risk. Clean the duct and exterior hood yearly, and replace plastic or foil accordion duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct kept as short as possible.

  Impactmedium

• Appliances$100–$1,000

  Choose an ENERGY STAR washer at replacement

  An ENERGY STAR front-load or high-efficiency top-load washer uses less water and spins more water out, which shortens drying. Expect roughly $900–$1,500 (estimate). Save on Energy lists appliance rebates of up to $200 through its product route; confirm eligible models first.

  Impactmedium

• AppliancesUnder $100

  Check your hot tub cover

  A waterlogged or cracked hot tub cover lets heat escape around the clock. If the cover is heavy, sagging or does not seal, replacing it is usually the cheapest way to lower the tub's running cost.

  Impactmedium

• AppliancesUnder $100winter

  Put the block heater on a timer

  A vehicle block heater draws roughly 400–1,000 W. Running it overnight wastes most of that. An outdoor-rated timer that switches it on two to three hours before you leave does the job.

  Impactmedium

• LightingUnder $100

  Swap old bathroom vanity bulbs

  A vanity bar with six 40 W globe bulbs draws 240 W. LED globes or an LED fixture provide the same light at around 30–40 W.

  Impactmedium

• Lighting$100–$1,000

  Replace leaky pot lights under the attic

  Older recessed lights in top-floor ceilings leak warm air into the attic and can prevent proper insulation over them. IC-rated, airtight LED wafer fixtures fix both problems. Expect roughly $50–$150 per light installed by an electrician (estimate).

  Impactmedium

• ElectronicsFree

  Check the cable or satellite box

  Some set-top boxes and PVRs draw 15–30 W around the clock even when "off" (estimate). Ask your provider about a lower-power model or a streaming option, and unplug boxes in rooms you rarely use.

  Impactmedium

• ElectronicsUnder $100

  Measure devices with a plug-in meter

  A plug-in energy meter costs roughly $20–$40 (estimate) and shows exactly what a fridge, dehumidifier or gaming computer uses. Many libraries in Ontario lend them, so ask at yours.

  Impactmedium

• Electronics$100–$1,000

  Consider a whole-home energy monitor

  Panel-mounted monitors with current clamps, roughly $150–$400 plus electrician installation (estimate), show your use in real time by circuit. They are most useful if you plan to change rate plans or add a heat pump or EV.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Use shrink-film kits on drafty windows

  Interior shrink film kits cost about $15–$30 for several windows and add a still air layer. They suit renters and older single-glazed or leaky windows, and peel off in spring.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Seal the door between the garage and house

  Weatherstrip and fit a sweep on the door from an attached garage. It keeps cold air out, and just as important, keeps car exhaust and carbon monoxide out of the house. Make sure a working CO alarm is nearby.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & drafts$1,000+

  Replace windows for comfort, not payback

  New windows often cost roughly $800–$1,500 or more each installed (estimate), and energy savings alone can take decades to pay that back. Replace windows that are failing, rotting or uncomfortable; otherwise air sealing and attic insulation usually save more per dollar.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & drafts$100–$1,000

  Insulate crawl space walls, not just the floor

  In most Ontario homes, insulating and air sealing crawl space walls, with a sealed polyethylene ground cover, keeps floors warmer and pipes safer than insulation between floor joists. An energy advisor can confirm what suits yours.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & drafts$100–$1,000winter

  Treat ice dams as a heat leak

  Ice dams form when warm air leaking into the attic melts roof snow, which refreezes at the eaves. Air sealing the attic floor and adding insulation fixes the cause; heat cables only treat the symptom and use electricity.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsFreewinter

  Report failed condo window and door seals

  Fogged glass, whistling balcony doors and torn weatherstripping in a condo may be the corporation's responsibility. Report them to management in writing, since repairs often require building-wide contractors.

  Impactmedium

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Use removable draft-proofing as a renter

  Peel-off caulk, V-strip weatherstripping and door sweeps that screw on can be removed when you move. Ask your landlord first, and report larger problems like broken windows in writing.

  Impactmedium

• EVsFree

  Know your EV's cost per 100 km

  At about 18 kWh per 100 km, charging on the 3.7¢ Ultra-Low Overnight price costs roughly 67¢ per 100 km in commodity, and about $1.64 at the 9.1¢ Time-of-Use off-peak price. Delivery, regulatory charges and tax add to both.

  Impactmedium

• EVs$100–$1,000

  Ask about load management before a panel upgrade

  Many older Ontario homes have 100 A service. An electrical service upgrade often costs roughly $2,500–$6,000 or more including utility work (estimate). An EV energy management system can sometimes avoid it by pausing charging when other loads are high.

  Impactmedium

• EVsFree

  Check whether Level 1 charging is enough

  A standard 120 V outlet adds roughly 7–9 km of range per hour, or about 80–100 km over a 12-hour night. If you drive less than that most days, you may not need a Level 2 charger yet.

  Impactmedium

• EVs$1,000+

  Follow your condo's process for EV charging

  Ontario's condominium rules set out a process for owners to request EV charging installations. Start with a written request to the board, and ask whether the building has or plans a shared load management system to avoid costly electrical upgrades.

  Impactmedium

• SolarFree

  Check shading and orientation before getting quotes

  A well-oriented, unshaded array in southern Ontario typically yields about 1,100–1,250 kWh per kW per year. East and west faces produce roughly 85–90% of a south face, and trees or chimneys can cut output further.

  Impactmedium

• SolarFree

  Compare solar quotes per watt and per kWh

  Installed costs in 2026 typically run roughly $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives. Compare quotes on price per watt and on the estimated kWh per year, and ask how the installer calculated that estimate.

  Impactmedium

• SolarFree

  Size net-metered solar to your annual use

  Net metering credits roll forward for up to 12 months and then expire, with no cash payout. A system much larger than your yearly use produces credits you may never use.

  Impactmedium

• SolarFree

  Make sure permits are in the solar contract

  A grid-connected solar system needs an ESA permit and inspection and a connection agreement with your local utility. Your contract should say who handles each step and that you will not be billed for a system that cannot be connected.

  Impactmedium

• Bills & ratesFree

  Read your gas bill line by line

  Your Enbridge bill splits costs into a fixed customer charge, delivery, transportation and gas supply. Knowing your all-in cost per cubic metre, often roughly 35–50¢, helps you compare heating options accurately.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Set the dishwasher to start after 7 p.m.

  A dishwasher uses roughly 1–1.5 kWh per cycle. Using delay-start to run it after 7 p.m. on TOU, or after 11 p.m. on ULO, cuts the commodity cost by about half or more.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Run washers and dishwashers only when full

  Each cycle uses roughly the same energy and water whether full or half-empty. Waiting for full loads can cut the number of cycles by a quarter or more.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Use the highest spin speed

  A faster spin removes more water, so the dryer runs for less time. At about 2.5–4 kWh per dryer load, shaving 10–15 minutes adds up over a year.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Clean the dryer lint filter every load

  A clogged lint screen slows drying and increases fire risk. Also check the exterior vent flap a few times a year to make sure it opens freely.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesUnder $100

  Set the fridge to 3–4 °C and the freezer to −18 °C

  Colder settings than this use more energy without improving food safety. A simple appliance thermometer costs a few dollars.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Vacuum the fridge coils once a year

  Dusty condenser coils make the compressor work harder. Cleaning them takes about 10 minutes and can trim fridge energy use by a few percent.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Cook with lids on and match pot to burner

  Covering pots brings water to a boil faster and uses less energy. Small pots on large elements waste heat.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Use a toaster oven or air fryer for small meals

  Small countertop appliances heat a much smaller space than a full oven and often use half the energy or less for small dishes. In summer they also add less heat to the kitchen.

  Impactlow

• Appliances$1,000+

  Choose induction when replacing a range

  Induction cooktops transfer heat to the pot more efficiently than standard electric or gas burners and keep the kitchen cooler. Check whether your model qualifies for an HRS appliance rebate.

  Impactlow

• LightingUnder $100

  Put outdoor lights on motion sensors or timers

  Porch and driveway lights left on all night can use more than 100 kWh a year even with LEDs and far more with older bulbs. Motion sensors also improve security.

  Impactlow

• LightingFreewinter

  Use daylight before switching on lights

  Opening blinds on sunny winter days provides free light and some free heat. Close them at dusk to hold the warmth in.

  Impactlow

• ElectronicsFree

  Turn off instant-on mode on game consoles

  Instant-on or rest modes can draw power around the clock. Switching to energy-saving mode cuts that standby use substantially with only a slightly slower start-up.

  Impactlow

• ElectronicsFree

  Unplug chargers and seldom-used devices

  Individually small, a dozen idle chargers, speakers and old electronics can add up to tens of dollars a year. A quick walkthrough with a plug-in power meter shows the worst offenders.

  Impactlow

• ElectronicsFree

  Lower TV brightness from showroom mode

  Many TVs ship in a bright retail mode. Switching to a standard or eco picture setting can cut TV power use noticeably.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFreewinter

  Keep vents and cold-air returns clear

  Furniture, rugs or drapes over registers block airflow and leave rooms uneven. Clear returns are just as important as supply vents.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFreewinter

  Use space heaters sparingly and safely

  A 1,500 W space heater running six hours a day costs roughly $1–$1.70 a day at typical all-in rates. They make sense for one occupied room, not for heating a whole house.

  Impactlow

• CoolingFreesummer

  Pre-cool before summer on-peak hours

  In summer, TOU on-peak runs on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cooling the house slightly more in the morning mid-peak period and easing off midday can lower costs.

  Impactlow

• CoolingFreesummer

  Clear debris from the outdoor AC unit

  Leaves, cottonwood fluff and grass clippings on the coil reduce efficiency. Gently hose the coil from the inside out with power off each spring.

  Impactlow

• CoolingFreesummer

  Set the basement dehumidifier to about 50%

  Lower settings make dehumidifiers run much longer without much benefit. An ENERGY STAR model uses noticeably less energy than older units.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterFree

  Set the water heater to 60 °C

  Higher settings increase standby losses and scald risk. At 60 °C the tank still controls bacteria; use anti-scald valves at taps if needed.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterFree

  Trim a few minutes off showers

  Hot water is often the second-largest energy use in an Ontario home. Cutting each shower by two minutes saves water and heating energy every day.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterUnder $100

  Insulate exposed hot water pipes

  Foam pipe sleeves cost a few dollars per metre and cut heat loss from pipes in unheated basements. Start with the first 1–2 m from the tank.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterUnder $100

  Fix dripping hot water taps

  A tap dripping once a second wastes thousands of litres a year. If it is a hot tap, you are paying to heat that water too.

  Impactlow

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Use window insulation film on drafty windows

  Shrink-film kits cost a few dollars per window and reduce drafts and heat loss through old single-pane glass for the winter.

  Impactlow

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Keep winter humidity around 30–40%

  Too-dry air feels colder and is uncomfortable, while too-humid air causes window condensation. A cheap hygrometer helps you find the right level.

  Impactlow

• EVsFreewinter

  Precondition your EV while plugged in

  Warming the cabin and battery while still connected to the charger preserves winter driving range. Pair it with an off-peak or overnight schedule where possible.

  Impactlow

• SolarFree

  Check your solar monitoring monthly

  A sudden drop in production can point to a tripped breaker, inverter fault or shading. Catching problems early protects your savings.

  Impactlow

• Bills & ratesFreewinter

  Check the Ontario Electricity Rebate line on your bill

  The Ontario Electricity Rebate fell from 23.5% to 15.7% on 1 November 2026. On a bill of about $130 before tax, that is roughly $10 less credit a month (estimate). It is applied automatically, so if you do not see an OER line on a residential bill, call your utility.

  Impactlow

• Bills & ratesFree

  Work out your real cost per kWh

  The commodity price is only part of the bill: delivery, regulatory charges and 13% HST are added, then the OER is subtracted. Divide your bill total by the kWh used to get your all-in rate. For a typical Toronto-area home it is roughly 15–19¢/kWh on Time-of-Use before the rebate (estimate).

  Impactlow

• Bills & ratesFree

  Read your condo sub-metering bill closely

  Many Ontario condos bill suites through a unit sub-meter provider licensed by the OEB. Check the commodity price, delivery and administration charges, and that the OER is applied. If something looks wrong, ask the provider first and then the OEB.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFreewinter

  Bleed hot-water radiators each fall

  Air trapped in hot-water radiators leaves the top cold and makes the boiler work longer. With the system warm, open each bleed valve with a radiator key until water appears, then close it. Check the boiler pressure afterwards.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFree

  Clean your HRV or ERV filters and core

  Clogged HRV filters cut fresh air and make the fans work harder. Wash or replace filters every two to three months and clean the core once a year, following the manual. Check that outdoor intake and exhaust hoods are clear of snow and leaves.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFree

  Clean the filter in your condo fan coil

  Many condo suites are heated and cooled by a fan coil unit in a closet or under a window. A dirty filter reduces airflow and comfort. Check it every one to three months, and ask management whether the building replaces them or owners do.

  Impactlow

• HeatingFree

  Work with your building's two-pipe changeover

  Older condos often have a two-pipe system that supplies only heating or only cooling at one time, switched by the building in spring and fall. During warm shoulder-season days, use blinds and a fan rather than opening windows while the heat is running.

  Impactlow

• HeatingUnder $100

  Put the bathroom fan on a timer

  Running the bathroom fan for 20–30 minutes after a shower removes moisture; leaving it on for hours pulls heated air out of the house in winter. A countdown timer switch costs about $30–$60 (estimate).

  Impactlow

• Hot waterFree

  Drain a little sediment from an owned tank each year

  Sediment at the bottom of a tank slows heat transfer and can make the burner rumble. If you own the heater, drain a few litres from the valve once a year following the manual. If it is a rental, ask the rental company to do it.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterUnder $100

  Fit low-flow faucet aerators

  Bathroom aerators rated at 5.7 L/min (1.5 gal/min) or less cost a few dollars and cut hot water use at the sink without a noticeable difference for handwashing.

  Impactlow

• Hot waterFree

  Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them

  Rinsing under a running hot tap can use more hot water than the dishwasher itself. Scrape food into the compost and load the dishes; modern dishwashers and detergents are designed for it.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Test your fridge door seals

  Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the gasket is leaking cold air. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water, and replace it if it is cracked.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesFree

  Use convection when you bake

  A convection oven setting circulates hot air, so you can usually lower the temperature by about 15 °C (25 °F) or shorten cooking time. Keep the door closed; each peek lets out heat.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesUnder $100

  Try induction with a plug-in burner

  A single portable induction burner costs roughly $80–$200 (estimate) and lets renters, or anyone planning a kitchen upgrade, try induction cooking before buying a full range. Check that your pots work with a magnet.

  Impactlow

• AppliancesUnder $100

  Put a heated towel rail on a timer

  Electric towel warmers often draw 50–150 W and are frequently left on all day. A plug-in or in-wall timer so it runs a couple of hours around showers can save a few hundred kWh a year (estimate).

  Impactlow

• LightingUnder $100winter

  Switch to LED holiday lights and a timer

  A strand of older incandescent C9 bulbs can draw 175 W or more; an LED equivalent uses under 20 W. Put displays on a timer so they turn off overnight.

  Impactlow

• LightingUnder $100

  Add occupancy sensors where lights get left on

  In basements, laundry rooms and closets, an occupancy or vacancy sensor switch, roughly $25–$60 each (estimate), turns lights off automatically.

  Impactlow

• LightingFree

  Choose LED colour temperature you will keep

  If an LED looks harsh, people swap it back. For living spaces and bedrooms, choose 2700–3000 K; keep 3500–4000 K for kitchens, garages and workshops. Buy by lumens rather than watts.

  Impactlow

• ElectronicsFree

  Set computers to sleep after 15 minutes

  A desktop computer and monitor can draw 100 W or more when idle. Set sleep to about 15 minutes and the display to turn off after 5–10 minutes.

  Impactlow

• ElectronicsFree

  Retire the old basement TV

  Older plasma and early LCD TVs can use two to three times the power of a modern LED TV of the same size. If an old set is in a room you rarely use, unplug it or recycle it through an Ontario electronics recycling drop-off.

  Impactlow

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100winter

  Fit foam gaskets behind outlet covers

  Electrical boxes on exterior walls often leak cold air. Pre-cut foam gaskets behind switch and outlet cover plates cost a few dollars for a pack. Turn the power off at the breaker before removing covers.

  Impactlow

• Insulation & draftsFreewinter

  Check that exterior vent flaps close

  A dryer or bath fan vent hood stuck open lets cold air pour back in. Look outside on a windy day; clean or replace hoods that do not close.

  Impactlow

• Insulation & draftsUnder $100

  Add cellular shades to large windows

  Honeycomb shades, roughly $80–$250 per window (estimate), trap air and reduce heat loss at night and heat gain on summer afternoons. Close them at night in winter and on sunny afternoons in summer.

  Impactlow

• EVsFreewinter

  Plan for lower winter range

  EV range in cold weather can drop noticeably because of battery chemistry and cabin heating. Charge overnight, keep the car plugged in when possible, and use seat and steering wheel heaters, which use less energy than heating the cabin air.

  Impactlow

• SolarFreewinter

  Leave snow on solar panels

  Do not climb onto a snowy roof to clear panels. Winter months contribute only a small share of annual production, and snow usually slides off tilted panels within a few sunny days.

  Impactlow