Stay Cozy and Save Money: Winter Home Tips

Picture of Chris Behie

Chris Behie

After buying and selling several homes with The KT Team, Chris knew he had to be part of it. A top performer at Toyota Canada for years, he shifted gears to real estate and hasn’t looked back. Known for his sharp communication, negotiation skills, and down-to-earth approach, Chris helps clients navigate the buying and selling process with confidence—especially families juggling busy home lives like his own. When he’s not closing deals, you’ll find him in Milton chasing adventures (and his two boys).

Stay Cozy and Save Money: Winter Home Tips

As the temperature dips, it’s natural to see your utility bills rise. Heating your home, using lights more often, and keeping the chill at bay can all add up quickly. The good news? A few simple, cost-effective changes can help you stay comfortable and keep your budget in check. Whether you’re planning to stay put for years or considering selling down the road, these winter tips can make a difference.

1. Block Out Drafts Before They Drain Your Wallet

Drafty windows and doors are a major source of heat loss. Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers to seal those gaps, or roll up a towel to block the cold air at the base of a door. Small fixes like this can help keep your home warmer and your bills lower. See other eco-friendly updates to help save money in your home here.

2. Adjust the Thermostat to Find Your Sweet Spot

Dropping your thermostat just a degree or two can lead to noticeable savings over the winter. Consider a programmable thermostat that automatically changes settings when you’re asleep or out, making it easier to save without sacrificing comfort.

3. Put Your Ceiling Fans to Work—Yes, in the Winter!

Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. Switching them to a clockwise rotation helps push warm air down, keeping your rooms cozier. It’s a small trick, but every bit helps when you’re aiming for efficiency.

4. Light the Way with LED Bulbs

Shorter winter days mean the lights stay on longer. Swap your old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. They use less electricity, last longer, and can help trim your energy bills—plus, it’s an easy upgrade if you’re ever planning to sell.

5. Get Smart About Your Energy Use

Smart thermostats, switches, and timers can help you manage energy usage effortlessly. They “learn” your habits and adjust automatically. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to save money and a cool feature that can impress buyers if you decide to list your home.

6. Show Your Furnace Some Love

A well-maintained furnace is key to a cozy, energy-efficient home. Change the filter regularly, and if it’s been a while since the last service, schedule a professional tune-up. A properly functioning furnace not only keeps you warm but can also add value when you’re ready to sell.

7. Pull the Plug on Idle Electronics

Electronics draw power even when they’re not in use. Unplug chargers and small appliances you’re not using, or plug them into a power strip for an easy shut-off. It’s a simple habit that can lead to subtle savings over time.

Enjoy a More Comfortable, Cost-Effective Winter

By making these small adjustments, you’ll keep your utility bills in check and maintain a cozy atmosphere all season long. These changes don’t just save money—they also reduce energy consumption, benefiting both your wallet and the environment.

If you’re curious about making your home more appealing for a future sale, or want professional guidance, reach out to the Kormendy Trott team at 1 (800) 617-0090. Stay warm, save smart, and enjoy a more comfortable winter ahead!

Picture of Chris Behie

Chris Behie

After buying and selling several homes with The KT Team, Chris knew he had to be part of it. A top performer at Toyota Canada for years, he shifted gears to real estate and hasn’t looked back. Known for his sharp communication, negotiation skills, and down-to-earth approach, Chris helps clients navigate the buying and selling process with confidence—especially families juggling busy home lives like his own. When he’s not closing deals, you’ll find him in Milton chasing adventures (and his two boys).

LISTEN | THE REAL ESTATE PODCAST

Read | REAL ESTATE BLOGS

Connect with Chris

Send a quick note and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Please enter a valid email address.
Form submitted successfully!

* denotes a required field

Read More

What Causes a House Not to Sell

Some homes sell quickly. Others sit, even when they seem like they should be getting attention. If you’re wondering why your house is not selling, the answer may not be one single thing. Pricing, presentation, access, marketing, buyer perception, and timing can all play a role. Here’s what sellers should look at before making their next move.

Read More »

Open House Terms & Privacy Agreement

for KT Open Houses

  1. 1. Visitor Etiquette

    To help protect our client’s property and maintain a respectful and safe environment, all visitors are required to follow these guidelines unless otherwise directed by a representative of the Kormendy Trott Team:

    • Footwear: Please remove footwear upon entry.
    • Washroom Facilities: Please refrain from using washroom facilities unless permission has been provided.
    • Personal Belongings and Furniture: Please do not touch personal belongings or open furniture that is not included in the sale, including dressers, media consoles and other free-standing furniture.
    • Food and Beverages: Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the property.
    • Furniture: Please refrain from sitting or lying on furniture.
    • Pets: Pets are not permitted inside the property.
    • Children: Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that children follow these guidelines.

    2. Visitor Registration and Safety

    To help protect our client’s property, personal belongings and the safety of our team members, all visitors are required to provide accurate and complete contact information before entering the property.

    Your information may be retained as an internal record of attendance and used to contact you regarding this property, your visit and related real estate opportunities that may reasonably be relevant to your inquiry.

    3. Digital Communications and Follow-Up

    After registering, you may receive a text message or email containing information about this property, related listings, future open houses and relevant real estate opportunities.

    Where required, these communications will include identification information and an unsubscribe mechanism. You may withdraw your consent or opt out of future promotional communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in an email, replying STOP to an applicable text message or contacting us directly.

    4. Website Analytics and Relevant Advertising

    If you visit our website, we may use cookies, pixels and similar technologies to understand website activity, measure advertising performance and show relevant advertising on platforms such as Google, Facebook and Instagram.

    For more information about our use of analytics, cookies and advertising technologies, and the choices available to you, please review our Privacy Policy.

    5. Privacy and Data Protection

    We may use trusted service providers to operate our website, manage customer relationships, deliver communications, analyze performance and support our advertising activities.

    We do not sell your personal information. Personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

    6. Acknowledgement

    By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Open House Terms & Privacy Agreement. You agree to follow the visitor etiquette guidelines and any reasonable instructions provided by our team during your visit.

    KT Realty
    229–336 Bronte Street South
    Milton, ON L9T 7W6
    [email protected]
    1 (800) 617-0090