Thermostat Mastery: The Easiest Way to Cut Your Heating & Cooling Bills in Canada
Written by Solenery
2 min read
Introduction
Looking for one of the easiest ways to shrink your utility bill—without a full retrofit or tech overhaul?
Look no further than your thermostat.
In a Canadian climate where heating and cooling costs make up the largest slice of household energy use, optimizing your thermostat is low-hanging fruit for real savings.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to fine-tune your thermostat settings seasonally, the benefits of smart thermostats (and which provinces offer rebates), and simple behavioral tweaks to boost your home comfort while cutting costs.
Want to see how much you could save based on where you live?
Best Thermostat Settings for Canadian Homes
Your thermostat should reflect both your comfort needs and your energy goals—especially in places like Alberta or Ontario where prices fluctuate daily.
Winter Settings:
Home & awake: 20°C
Sleeping or away: 17°C
Max energy-saving setting: 15–16°C when away for 6+ hours
Summer Settings:
Home: 24–25°C with ceiling fan support
Away or asleep: 27–28°C
Max comfort-saving balance: 1°C = about 5% energy saved
Tip for renters:
Most baseboard heaters can be set using plug-in thermostats or zone timers.
Smart Thermostats vs. Manual: What’s the Difference?
Smart and programmable thermostats learn your habits and adjust automatically—ideal for busy families or those juggling TOU (Time-of-Use) rates.
| Feature | Manual | Programmable | Smart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule heating/cooling | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adjust based on outside temp | No | No | Yes |
| Control via app | No | No | Yes |
| Eligibility for rebates | No | Yes (some) | Yes |
Top Canadian models:
Ecobee SmartThermostat (Toronto-based company!)
Google Nest
Mysa (for electric baseboards)
Provincial Rebates for Thermostats
Many Canadian utilities help you upgrade your thermostat at a discount—or even free.
| Province | Rebate | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $75–$100 | Enbridge HER+ or local hydro utilities |
| BC | $100 | CleanBC Better Homes |
| Nova Scotia | $50 | Efficiency NS |
| Quebec | $100 | Hydro-Québec Smart Thermostat Program |
| Newfoundland | Discounts on smart power bars & thermostats | takeCHARGE |
Eligibility Note:
In most programs, your thermostat must be ENERGY STAR-certified and professionally installed to qualify.
Pairing Your Thermostat with Smart Habits
A new thermostat alone won’t save you money—you need the right habits too.
Schedule Setbacks: Drop the heat at night or when out for the day.
Zone Heating: Use separate thermostats in multi-zone homes.
Don’t Override Frequently: Every manual change resets savings.
Sync with Weather: If a chinook or cold snap is coming, prep your settings accordingly.
Real Example:
A family in Winnipeg set their smart thermostat to adjust based on outdoor temperatures and shaved $320 off their winter gas bill.
Bonus: Electric Baseboard Homes Need Love Too
Live in BC, Quebec, or the Maritimes with electric baseboards?
You’re not out of luck.
Use Mysa Smart Thermostats: Designed specifically for baseboards.
Zone Scheduling: Control bedrooms, kitchens, and basements independently.
Look for Stacking Rebates: Some provinces (like PEI and Nova Scotia) offer multiple grants when bundled with insulation or air sealing.
Conclusion
Upgrading your thermostat and setting it wisely is one of the simplest ways to cut heating and cooling costs in Canada.
Whether you choose a $30 programmable model or go all-in with a smart system, pairing it with the right habits and rebate programs can bring major returns—without compromising comfort.