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Electricity prices updated November 1, 2026
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Last reviewed November 2, 2026
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The ideal indoor humidity in winter in Ontario is often 30–40%, lower in deep cold. How to measure it, stop window condensation, and choose a humidifier wisely.
, 5 min read
Heat pump defrost mode explained for Ontario winters: what steam and noise mean, how to keep snow and ice off the outdoor unit, and when to call a technician.
, 5 min read
Best thermostat temperature for winter in Ontario: about 20–21 °C when home, 17–18 °C asleep or away. See savings math for gas, baseboard and heat pump homes.
, 4 min read
Heat pump noise and placement in Ontario: how loud outdoor units are, where to put them for neighbours, snow and efficiency, and fixing common noise problems.
, 6 min read
Heat pump backup heat explained for Ontario: how electric strips and gas furnaces back up a heat pump, what auxiliary and emergency heat cost, and sizing tips.
, 6 min read
How to fix cold rooms in a house: find the real cause of uneven heating, from drafts and thin insulation to duct and airflow problems, and fix it in order.
, 6 min read
The best MERV rating for a furnace filter in most Ontario homes is 8 to 11, or 13 if your system can handle it. Filter types, change schedules, airflow risks.
, 5 min read
HRV vs ERV for Ontario homes: how heat and energy recovery ventilators work, which suits your house, typical costs, settings, and the upkeep most people skip.
, 5 min read
Duct sealing in Ontario homes: how much air leaky ducts waste, mastic vs foil tape vs aerosol sealing, typical costs, and when sealing ducts is worth the money.
, 5 min read
Boiler replacement in Ontario explained: condensing and combi boilers, radiators and in-floor radiant heat, typical costs, upkeep, and when heat pumps can help.
, 5 min read
Do heat pumps work at −25 °C? Are they always cheaper than gas? We separate fact from myth for Ontario homeowners who are weighing a heat pump in 2026.
, 4 min read
Geothermal heat pump cost in Ontario: typical installed prices, loop types, running costs vs gas and air-source, rebates, and when ground-source pays.
, 5 min read
Furnace replacement cost in Ontario is typically $5,000–$9,000 installed in 2026 for a 95%+ AFUE gas furnace. See price tiers, add-ons and the heat pump option.
, 4 min read
Heat pump cost in Ontario for 2026: roughly $12,000–$25,000 for a ducted cold-climate system, $4,500–$8,000 ductless. Rebates, net cost and running cost math.
, 4 min read
Central AC, heat pump, mini-split or window unit: how to choose cooling for an Ontario home in 2026, with SEER2 ratings, costs, sizing and refrigerant changes.
, 5 min read
Removing the federal fuel charge in April 2025 cut gas bills and narrowed the heat pump savings case. We rerun the numbers for a typical Ontario home.
, 4 min read
When ductless mini-split heat pumps make sense in Ontario, single vs multi-zone, 2026 costs, savings over electric baseboards, rebates and installation tips.
, 5 min read
Why proper heat loss and cooling load calculations matter in Ontario, how CSA F280 works, the risks of oversizing, and what to ask your contractor to provide.
, 6 min read
How hybrid heat pump and gas furnace systems work in Ontario, how to set the changeover temperature, what they cost, and when dual-fuel is the smart choice.
, 6 min read
How cold-climate heat pumps perform from Windsor to Thunder Bay, what happens at −25 °C, how defrost and backup heat work, and which specs to check.
, 6 min read
How much a smart thermostat really saves in an Ontario home, how to set schedules for gas furnaces and heat pumps, compatibility checks and the $100 HRS rebate.
, 5 min read
How heat pumps work in Ontario's climate, what they cost to buy and run, which rebates apply in 2026, and how to decide if one makes sense for your home.
, 7 min read
A season-by-season maintenance checklist for Ontario furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and HRVs: what you can do yourself and what a pro should check.
, 6 min read
Signs your furnace needs replacing, 2026 Ontario costs, the 95% AFUE rule, rent vs buy, and how to compare a new furnace with heat pump or hybrid options.
, 6 min read
Licences, permits, quotes and red flags: a checklist for hiring a heating and cooling contractor in Ontario, plus rebate and consumer protection rules.
, 6 min read
A worked 2026 comparison of annual heating costs for a heat pump vs a gas furnace in Ontario, with clear assumptions and the carbon charge removal.
, 6 min read
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
