The weather has turned and with winter imminent, I'm sure most of Canada has turned the heat on at home. After all, trekking home at 5:30 p.m. in pitch black and freezing cold needs to be rewarded with a toasty house! Here are few tips and tricks to heat your home efficiently during the cold months: • Get a programmable thermostat. With one, you can set your heat without even being at home. Try setting it to a higher temperature for the chilly mornings, lowering it during the day when you're at work, and programming it to warm up your house just before you get there. You can get a programmable thermostat for about $50 (and up) at your local Canadian Tire. Think how much money you'll save on energy bills! • Check your house for air leaks. Is your front room particularly drafty? Could be that you have a leak in your windows. Be sure to seal up any hidden leaks with caulking and weather stripping. Doing so will save you a ton on your power bills. • Give your furnace a tune-up. It's important to call in a professional every fall to ensure your furnace is in working order and free of deficiencies. Giving it annual check-ups will also make your furnace last longer, saving you money down the road. Also, make sure you clean and/or replace filters regularly. Find more tips for winterizing your home here! Also, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my blog and enter my latest Raincoast giveaway! I'll be announcing a winner on November 20.