Seasonal Maintenance Habits That Lower Your Energy Bills All Year
Written by Solenery
2 min read
Introduction
Want to lower your energy bills without installing a single panel or spending thousands on new equipment?
Seasonal maintenance might be the most underrated energy-saving strategy in Canada.
In this article, we’ll walk you through simple seasonal habits—like sealing drafts, cleaning filters, and checking insulation—that make your home run more efficiently year-round.
These small actions not only save money, but also help your solar panels or heat pump perform at their best.
Plus, we’ll show you how certain maintenance routines can even help you qualify for provincial rebates.
Want a shortcut?
Spring: Reset and Refresh After a Long Winter
Canadian winters are tough on homes.
Spring is the perfect time to reset your energy efficiency.
Spring Energy-Saving To-Do List:
Clean or replace furnace and HRV filters (monthly if you have pets)
Inspect attic for moisture, mold, or insulation gaps
Reseal windows and doors with new weatherstripping
Drain sediment from your hot water tank (boosts efficiency)
Have your HVAC professionally serviced if switching to cooling mode
Tip:
In provinces like Ontario and BC, annual HVAC maintenance may be required for warranty claims or rebate eligibility.
Summer: Keep the Cool In and the Heat Out
AC bills can spike quickly, especially during heat waves.
Your goal in summer?
Shade, insulate, and ventilate.
Summer Energy Maintenance Tips:
Clean your outdoor AC or heat pump coils (gently rinse with hose)
Check insulation around refrigerant lines for cracks
Use thermal curtains or blinds in south-facing rooms
Close vents in unused basements or spare rooms
Seal gaps in attic or garage to block heat transfer
BC Bonus:
Under CleanBC, combining smart thermostat upgrades with improved shading or insulation may unlock stacked rebates.
Fall: Prepare for the Cold and Maximize Heating Efficiency
This is prime time to prep for heating season—and avoid high winter bills.
Fall Must-Do List:
Schedule your annual heat pump or furnace tune-up
Install programmable or smart thermostats before peak heating months
Check attic and wall insulation R-values (top-ups may qualify for rebates)
Clean dryer vents and air ducts to reduce load on HVAC
Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
Rebate Alert:
PEI and Nova Scotia offer incentives for insulation, air sealing, and home energy assessments—especially if paired with heat pump upgrades.
Winter: Maintain Efficiency Without Losing Comfort
It’s -20°C and you’re cranking the heat.
Here’s how to stay warm and efficient at the same time.
Winter Energy Tips:
Use door sweeps and draft stoppers to block leaks
Check HRV/ERV system filters and air intakes for snow or ice
Avoid using electric space heaters—opt for heat pump zoning instead
Use humidifiers to retain heat more effectively (moist air feels warmer)
Track energy usage weekly using a smart monitor (Sense, Emporia Vue)
Real Example:
A family in Ottawa cut their peak-winter gas bill by 28% after sealing attic hatches and window frames and switching to a smart thermostat.
Maintenance That Pays Back: Where Rebates Come In
You might not expect maintenance to trigger rebates—but in many provinces, it does when bundled properly.
| Province | Rebate Program | Related Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | HER+ via Enbridge | Air sealing, HVAC tune-ups, insulation |
| BC | CleanBC | Insulation top-ups, HVAC service |
| PEI | Home Insulation Rebate | Free heat pump when paired with air sealing |
| Nova Scotia | Efficiency NS | Duct cleaning, heat pump checkups |
| Manitoba | Efficiency Manitoba | Insulation + air sealing rebates |
Checklist tip:
Keep receipts for filters, caulking, and maintenance visits—you may need them when submitting audit reports or rebate claims.
Conclusion
Small seasonal habits can lead to big savings over time.
By following this year-round energy maintenance routine, you’ll reduce waste, extend the life of your systems, and make your home more comfortable in every season.