Guides
Energy, explained for Canadian homes
Practical answers on heating, solar, rates and efficiency. Every guide ends with the calculator that answers the question for your house.
Air Sealing First: The Cheapest Heat You Can Buy
Air sealing your home is usually the cheapest way to cut heating costs in Canada. Learn where leaks hide, what ACH50 means, and when to DIY or hire a pro.
Read guideAre New Windows Worth It for Energy Savings?
New windows rarely pay for themselves through energy savings alone in Canada. Learn when replacement makes sense and how to read U-factor and ENERGY STAR.
Read guideAttic Insulation R-Values for Canadian Homes
Most Canadian attics need insulation of R-50 to R-60. See how deep that is in blown cellulose or fibreglass, and what a top-up typically costs.
Read guideDo Solar Panels Work in Canadian Winter and Snow?
Solar panels work in Canadian winters, but produce less from November to February. See the monthly pattern, how snow sheds and why cold helps efficiency.
Read guideDuctless Mini-Splits: When They Make Sense in Canada
Ductless mini-split heat pumps suit Canadian homes with baseboard heat, additions or problem rooms. Learn when they make sense and when ducted is better.
Read guideGeothermal Heat Pumps in Canada: Cost, Loops, Payback and Who They Suit
Geothermal heat pumps in Canada cost more than air-source units but run very efficiently. See loop types, running costs and when the payback makes sense.
Read guideHeat Pump Water Heaters in Canada: Costs, Savings and Placement
Heat pump water heaters in Canada use about a third of the electricity of an electric tank. See costs, savings, basement placement and winter effects.
Read guideHeat Pump vs Gas Furnace: Running Costs by Province
Heat pump vs gas furnace running costs in Canada depend on your province. See the cost of 1,000 kWh of heat from each, using approximate 2026 prices.
Read guideHome Battery Backup in Canada: Sizing, Cost and When It's Worth It
A home battery in Canada can keep essentials running in an outage. Learn how to size one in kWh, what it typically costs and when it is worth the money.
Read guideHow Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV at Home in Canada?
Charging an EV at home in Canada costs about $1.40 to $5.30 per 100 km, far below gasoline. See costs by province and compare Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
Read guideHow to Compare Solar Quotes in Canada and Spot Red Flags
Compare solar quotes in Canada by cost per watt, production, equipment and warranties. Learn the red flags, from inflated savings to financing pressure.
Read guideHow to Cut Summer Cooling Costs
Cut summer cooling costs in your Canadian home with the right AC size, shading, smarter setpoints and an efficient heat pump. See typical costs and savings.
Read guideHow to Read Your Electricity Bill in Canada
Learn how to read your electricity bill in Canada. We explain energy, delivery and regulatory charges, your all-in rate per kWh and your usage history.
Read guideHybrid Dual-Fuel Heating: Heat Pump Plus Furnace
Hybrid dual-fuel heating pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. Learn how the switchover temperature works and which Canadian homes it suits best.
Read guideIs a Heat Pump Worth It in a Canadian Winter?
A cold-climate heat pump keeps heating to about -25 °C and usually pays off if you heat with oil, propane or baseboards. Gas homes depend on the province.
Read guideNet Metering in Canada Explained: How Solar Credits Work
Net metering in Canada lets solar owners earn credits for power they send to the grid. Learn how banking works, why export value matters and what to ask.
Read guideOntario TOU vs Tiered vs Ultra-Low Overnight: Which Plan Fits You
Compare Ontario's Time-of-Use, Tiered and Ultra-Low Overnight electricity price plans and find out which one fits your household's usage pattern best.
Read guideQuestions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar or HVAC Installer
Ask these questions before hiring a solar or HVAC installer in Canada, covering heat-loss calculations, permits, rebate registration and warranties.
Read guideReplacing Your AC? Why a Heat Pump Costs Little More
Central AC vs heat pump: in Canada a heat pump usually costs only a bit more than a new AC and also heats your home. Learn SEER2 and HSPF basics here.
Read guideReplacing Your Furnace in Canada: AFUE, Sizing and Cost
Replacing your furnace in Canada? Learn what AFUE means, how proper sizing works, typical cost ranges, and when a heat pump is the better choice instead.
Read guideSmart Thermostats and Setbacks: How Much You Really Save
A smart thermostat saves money in Canada mainly through setbacks at night and while you are away. Here is what to expect, and how to set back a heat pump.
Read guideSolar Payback in Canada: What Really Sets It, Province by Province
Solar payback in Canada typically ranges from under 10 years to over 25. See how your electricity rate, yield, export credit and cost per watt set it.
Read guideStandby (Phantom) Power: What It Costs and How to Cut It
Standby or phantom power is the electricity devices draw while off or idle. See what it typically costs a Canadian home a year and how to cut it cheaply.
Read guideSwitching From Oil Heat to a Heat Pump in Canada
Switching from oil heat to a heat pump usually cuts heating costs a lot. See OHPA program status, oil tank removal basics and typical savings in Canada.
Read guideWhat Happens in an EnerGuide Home Evaluation
An EnerGuide home evaluation in Canada includes a walkthrough, blower door test and energy rating. Learn what to expect, the cost and why programs need it.
Read guideWhat a Dehumidifier Costs to Run, and How to Cut It
A basement dehumidifier typically costs $5 to $35 a month to run in Canada. See costs by province and simple ways to cut its runtime and electricity use.
Read guideWhy Your Energy Bill Jumps in Winter
Why your energy bill jumps in winter in Canada: heating degree-days, colder water, longer lighting hours and block heaters, plus the fixes that help most.
Read guideWinter Energy Checklist for Canadian Homes
A practical winter energy checklist for Canadian homes: 18 steps to cut heating bills, from furnace filters and air sealing to heat pump and snow care.
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