Every winter, the January gas bill lands and Newmarket homeowners start looking for ways to cut it. The usual advice is to turn the thermostat down and wear a sweater, which helps, but it doesn’t fix why your home needs so much heat in the first place.
This guide is in order of cost: start with the free habits, move to the low-cost fixes, then look at the upgrade that does the most to keep your home warm without overworking your furnace.
Free: Habits That Lower Your Heating Load Today
- Set back, don’t shut off. Lower the thermostat a few degrees overnight and when you’re out. Turning it way up later doesn’t heat the house any faster; it just makes the furnace run longer.
- Use the sun. Open south-facing blinds on sunny days and close curtains at dusk to trap the heat.
- Clear the vents. Move furniture, rugs and curtains away from registers and return grilles.
- Close the fireplace damper whenever the fireplace isn’t in use.
- Reverse ceiling fans to spin clockwise on low, pushing warm air down from the ceiling.
Low Cost: Weekend Fixes Under a Few Hundred Dollars
- Replace the furnace filter. A clogged filter makes your blower work harder for less heat.
- Weatherstrip doors and the attic hatch. The hatch is one of the biggest single leaks in many homes. Add rigid foam to the top of the hatch cover too.
- Add door sweeps on exterior doors where you can see light underneath.
- Install outlet gaskets on exterior walls.
- Consider a smart thermostat. It automates setbacks, and the Home Renovation Savings program offers a rebate on eligible smart thermostats.
The Biggest Win: Attic Insulation
The habits above reduce how much heat you ask for. Attic insulation reduces how much heat your home loses, which is what actually shortens furnace run times. Because heat rises, an under-insulated attic is usually where Newmarket homes lose the most heat. Attic insulation in Newmarket is typically a one-day job.
How to Tell If You’re Short
Pop the attic hatch and look. If you can see the tops of the wooden ceiling joists, you don’t have enough. Ontario’s attic rebate program targets R-50, which is about 13 to 15 inches of blown-in cellulose or 17 to 19 inches of blown-in fibreglass.
Other warning signs include an upstairs that’s always cooler than the main floor, icicles along the eaves and snow melting quickly off your roof.
Doing It Right
If your current insulation is clean and dry, new insulation goes right on top. If it’s wet, mouldy or contaminated, attic insulation removal comes first. Baffle installation keeps soffit vents open so moisture doesn’t build up.
Bigger Projects Worth Planning
- Rim joists and basement: Spray foam insulation stops cold air entering at the foundation.
- Cold room over the garage: Garage ceiling insulation warms the floor.
- Whole-house air sealing: AeroBarrier seals leaks you can’t reach by hand.
Rebates That Lower the Upfront Cost
The Home Renovation Savings attic rebate, from Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy, covers up to $1,250 for bringing an attic from R-12 or less up to R-50, with no energy assessment. Attics that start higher qualify for up to $1,000 or $800. The work must be done by a participating contractor, and gas-heated homes must be Enbridge Gas customers. The program is extended to November 30, 2026, but it can change. See our Newmarket rebate page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to keep my house warmer?
Free and low-cost steps like thermostat setbacks, clearing vents, changing the furnace filter and weatherstripping the attic hatch help right away. For a lasting fix, attic insulation does the most.
Does turning the heat way up warm the house faster?
No. Most furnaces deliver heat at the same rate regardless of the setting. A higher setting just means it runs longer.
How much does attic insulation cost in Newmarket?
It depends on your attic size, current insulation and the material you choose. We give free on-site assessments and itemized quotes.
Lower Your Newmarket Heating Bill
Pro Insulation Contracting will check your attic and tell you honestly whether an upgrade is worth it. Book a free assessment or call (416) 315-0471.
