Canada's Winter: Romantic Snowfall, But Not The Electric Bill!

Canada's winter brings a romantic snowy landscape, but along with it comes the worry of skyrocketing electric bills due to the need for heating. Don't worry, PathCAN is here to share some "TIPS" to help keep both your family and your wallet warm!

Main Reasons for a High Electric Bill
• Heating systems running at full capacity: This is the number one cause. When the outdoor temperature drops, your furnace or heat pump has to run continuously to maintain indoor warmth, consuming large amounts of electricity/gas.
• Using additional heating devices: Many households use personal space heaters, which consume a significant amount of electricity.
• Earlier sunset: The need to turn on lights earlier and use lighting devices more frequently also contributes to the increased bill.

Tips to Save on Winter Electricity Costs

Reprogram the Thermostat
• Use a smart thermostat or set one up manually: Lower the temperature when no one is home (for example, 17°C – 18°C) and increase it to a comfortable level (20°C – 21°C when people are home).
• Lowering the thermostat by just 1°C can help you save 3-5% on heating costs.

Seal Gaps & Make Use of Natural Light
• Check door and window seals: Apply weatherstripping or install new rubber seals to prevent cold air from entering and warmth from escaping.
• Open curtains during the day: Maximize sunlight to naturally heat your home for free. Close the curtains as soon as the sun sets to keep the heat in.
• Use door draft stoppers: Place draft stoppers under the doors to block cold drafts.

Change Air Filters & Maintain the Heating System
• Dirty air filters force the heating system to work harder to push warm air, leading to higher energy consumption. Change air filters every 1-3 months during the winter.
• If you rent, ask your landlord to maintain the heating system before the cold season begins.

Reduce Hot Water Usage
• Heating water is a major energy expense. Try to save on this cost as much as possible.

Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace old light bulbs with energy-saving LED lights. They use significantly less electricity and have a longer lifespan.

Moving to a new environment isn’t just about paperwork; it’s also about managing your daily life in a new country. We wish all Vietnamese families will easily adapt and enjoy the beautiful winter in Canada!

Have you applied any of these winter electricity-saving tips yet? Share them with PathCAN in the comments below!