Category: Energy Savings

Your go-to resource for practical tips and strategies to lower energy bills and boost home efficiency. Learn how to save money with energy-efficient upgrades, smart technologies, and eco-friendly practices. Maximize comfort and savings with our expert energy-saving tips!

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Cooling Season: Save Energy & Boost AC Performance

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Cooling Season: Save Energy & Boost AC Performance

Ontario homeowners—summer is creeping up, and with it, rising temps and energy bills. The good news? A little prep now can go a long way in keeping your cooling costs low and your home comfortable. Let’s break down how to prepare your home for the cooling season while saving energy and extending the life of your HVAC system.

Why Scheduling an AC Tune-Up is Non-Negotiable

  • Before the heat rolls in, booking your annual AC tune-up is essential. Not only does it ensure your system is running efficiently, but it keeps you compliant with manufacturer warranties.

    Benefits of an AC tune-up:

    • Boost system efficiency by up to 30%

    • Catch minor issues before they become costly repairs

    • Maintain eligibility for rebate programs

    • Extend equipment lifespan

    💡 Pro tip: Empower Home Comfort offers unlimited no-charge service calls and certified techs with every membership plan.

🧊 Home Prep Tips to Maximize Cooling Efficiency

Here’s how to prep your home and save money on your energy bills this summer:

1. Clean or replace your air filter

A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder, spiking energy usage.

 

2. Seal up any air leaks

Check around windows, doors, and attic spaces. Weatherstripping and caulking are low-cost, high-impact solutions.

3. Clear debris from outdoor units

Make sure your condenser has at least two feet of breathing room. Leaves, sticks, and dirt can choke your system.

4. Install a smart thermostat

Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.

5. Close blinds during peak sun hours

Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.

🚨 Don’t Forget: Tune-Ups Keep Your Warranty Valid

Here’s the real deal: if you don’t get your AC professionally serviced every year, you could be waving goodbye to your manufacturer’s warranty — and that’s a costly mistake.

Most major HVAC manufacturers, like Lennox, Goodman, or Carrier, explicitly state in the fine print that your system must receive annual maintenance by a certified technician. No exceptions. If something breaks down and you haven’t kept records of yearly service, your warranty claim could be denied. That means you’re footing the bill for parts, labour, and diagnostics — out of pocket.

And we’re not talking pocket change. A compressor replacement alone can run you upwards of $2,000–$3,000. That’s money that could’ve been covered… for free… if you had booked a simple tune-up.

Ready to upgrade your home comfort and save big? For a limited time, get 3 months FREE when you sign up for any of our Maintenance or Protection Plans!

Whether you’re looking to protect your furnace, A/C, or water heater, Empower Home Comfort has you covered—with no-charge service calls, 24/7 support, and energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for Ontario rebates.

Claim Now

Claim your 3 FREE months now—schedule a quick call with our team and lock in your summer savings today!

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Energy Costs in Ontario 2025 & How Homeowners Can Save Big

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Ontario homeowners saving energy with smart thermostat and insulation upgrades.

Rising Energy Costs in Ontario: What to Expect in 2025

Ontario homeowners are no strangers to fluctuating energy prices, and 2025 is shaping up to be another year where costs head upwards. According to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), residential electricity rates have been increasing at an average of 2-3% per year, with further increases expected in mid-2025 due to higher generation costs, carbon pricing, and infrastructure investments​.


Key Factors Driving Higher Rates

  • Carbon Pricing: As part of Canada’s climate action plan, carbon tax rates are climbing, directly impacting natural gas prices.
  • Grid Modernization: Investments in renewable energy, smart grid technology, and system upgrades are being passed on to consumers.
  • Global Energy Volatility: Supply chain disruptions and global demand shifts are contributing to higher wholesale energy prices.

In 2024, the average Ontario household paid roughly 13.1 cents per kWh, but projections indicate that by the end of 2025, rates could exceed 14.5 cents per kWh​. Natural gas prices are also expected to rise, with Enbridge and other suppliers forecasting a 5-7% increase in delivery rates.

What This Means for Homeowners

For the average homeowner in Ontario, higher energy costs translate into higher monthly utility bills, especially during peak seasons like winter and summer. A typical household could see annual increases of $150-$250 on electricity bills alone, not accounting for higher heating costs during winter.

Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Costs in 2025

The good news? Homeowners can fight back against rising rates with simple, cost-effective upgrades and smart habits. Here’s how:

1️⃣Apply for Energy Rebates & Incentives

Take advantage of Ontario’s Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+), which offers:

Up to $10,000 in rebates for insulation, windows, and heat pumps.
Bonus incentives for completing multiple energy-saving upgrades.
Free energy audits to help homeowners find savings opportunities.
Pro Tip: Empower Home Comfort’s energy advisors can guide you through the rebate process to maximize your savings.

2️⃣ Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can save homeowners up to 10% on heating and cooling bills by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Plus, programs like Enbridge’s Smart Thermostat Rebate offer up to $75 back when you install an eligible device.

3️⃣ Seal Air Leaks & Improve Insulation

An estimated 25-30% of home energy loss happens through poorly sealed windows, doors, and attics. Simple fixes like:

Adding weatherstripping.
Sealing cracks and gaps.
Upgrading attic insulation.
These can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.

4️⃣ Upgrade to High-Efficiency Equipment

Consider replacing old furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters with ENERGY STAR®-certified models. Many of these upgrades qualify for government rebates and offer:

20-30% lower energy use.
Better comfort and reliability.
Lower maintenance costs.
Empower Home Comfort’s $99 Complete Comfort Package can help you assess your home and recommend affordable upgrades.

5️⃣ Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours
Ontario’s Time-of-Use pricing means you pay less for electricity during off-peak times (usually evenings and weekends). Running dishwashers, laundry machines, and charging devices during these hours can shave 5-10% off your bill.

6️⃣ Take Advantage of Free Home Energy Audits
A professional audit can uncover hidden energy waste and help you prioritize improvements. Homeowners can access free or low-cost audits through programs like Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate and Empower Home Comfort’s energy advisory services.

Quick Hacks to Save Even More

Unplug unused electronics to avoid phantom power drain (up to $100/year savings).
Switch to LED bulbs — they use 75% less energy than incandescents. Clean HVAC filters regularly to improve efficiency by 5-15%.
Lower your water heater temperature to 49°C to cut water heating costs.

Stay Ahead of Rising Energy Costs with Empower Home Comfort

Rising energy prices are inevitable, but smart homeowners in Ontario can take control of their bills with the right strategies and expert help. From rebate assistance to energy-efficient upgrades, Empower Home Comfort makes it easy and affordable to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low.



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Are Heat Pumps the right choice for Canadian Households?

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for Canadian households looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool their homes and we are all for it! You might be wondering whether installing a Heat Pump is the right choice for you. Here are just a few of the many benefits of heat pumps for Canadian households:

  1. Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly efficient, as they transfer heat from the outside air into your home, rather than generating heat through combustion like a traditional furnace. This means you can enjoy a comfortable home while using much less energy, and in the long term lower your energy bills. 

  2. Versatility: Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, making them a convenient all-in-one solution for temperature control in your home. 

  3. Environmental Sustainability: Heat pumps are a much more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional heating systems. They do not emit any harmful pollutants into the air and have a much lower carbon footprint. Compared to the traditional furnace that burns natural gas, a heat pump utilizes electricity and therefore lowers your CO2 production. 

  4. Durability: Heat pumps are built to last, with some models having a lifespan of over 20 years. With proper maintenance, a heat pump can provide many years of reliable service.

  5. Quiet Operation: Many heat pump models are designed for quiet operation, making them a great option for households where peace and quiet are important.

  6. Cost-effective: While the upfront cost of a heat pump may be higher than a traditional furnace, over time the long-term energy savings and increased efficiency can make it a cost-effective choice.

  7. Rebates: Ontario residents can avail of up to $7,100 Government Rebates when installing a new Heat Pump system. Empower is here to walk you through the process and help you save in big ways 

In conclusion, heat pumps offer a multitude of benefits for Canadian households looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool their homes. With their energy efficiency, versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness, heat pumps are a smart choice for homeowners.

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Is a More Expensive HVAC Filter Better?

HVAC Air Purifiers

Whole-house air purifiers are becoming an increasingly popular component of the heating and cooling systems in many homes. Wondering why? Check out the benefits below!

Fewer allergy symptoms

Unlike standard air filters, whole-house air purifiers can catch potential allergens down to .3 microns in size, removing up to 99.97 percent of particles from the filtered air.

Compact size

Whole-house air purifiers are conveniently installed within the HVAC system, eliminating the unsightly portable units in different rooms throughout the house.

Cost-effectiveness

Whole-house air purifiers save you the expense of having to purchase both air purifier filters and HVAC filters.

Less Noise

Because whole-house air purifiers eliminate the noise associated with some portable units, they are able to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment with little noise.

Keeping your eyes and ears open for warning signs can prevent that scenario where the system quits in the middle of night or for businesses, during work hours on the coldest day of the year. Simple maintenance during the year will prevent this problem and keep your home or business warm during the cold winter weather

Contact your Empower expert to schedule a no-cost analysis of the benefits of whole-house air filtration.

Call 1-800-375-8984 today to set up your in-home consultation.

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Preparing Your Home Before Vacation

Ready for a vacation?

Your home should be too! Careful planning can not only help protect your home and your belongings while you travel, but also provide your family with some energy savings to spend on souvenirs! Follow these five simple tips to prepare your home for your absence.

Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.

1. Turn off the lights

If you decide to keep any of your lights on as a security measure, invest in an automatic timer. It can be programmed to turn on your lights during late evening and early morning hours while preventing wasted energy during the day.

2. Turn down your air conditioner

While it’s important to keep the air circulating in your home while you’re gone, you can drastically cut down on energy usage by turning your thermostat up to 85 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, simply use the “vacation” feature to maintain safe and efficient indoor temperatures while you’re gone.

3. Unplug appliances and electronics

Even when they’re turned off, anything that’s plugged into the wall can continue to consume energy. By unplugging your devices or using a smart power strip, you’ll avoid wasting standby power. Don’t forget to unplug your washer and dryer, too.

4. Adjust your water heater(s)

Turn your water heater down to “low” or to “vacation” mode. If your pool also uses a heater, consider purchasing a pool cover that will help minimize heat loss so that you can avoid the cost to reheat it.

5. Refrigerator

If you’ll only be gone a few days, turn your refrigerator’s thermostat up a few degrees. If you’ll be gone more than two weeks, clean and empty the refrigerator, prop the door open, and unplug the unit.

Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.

Call Empower Home Comfort Expert at 1-800-375-8984

To set up an appointment with one of our Experts who check your current systems for efficiency improvements!