Let’s get smart with our thermostats
Managing the temperature in our apartment isn’t just about our comfort. It is also about saving energy, cutting costs, and helping the environment. In Toronto, winters are long, and summers are heating up. Using our thermostat wisely is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably while staying comfortable year-round.
Learn more about why the temperature settings matter and how to avoid common errors in using your thermostat. You will also see how these small actions have a huge impact on our environment.
Why temperature settings matter
Keeping our apartment at the right temperature isn’t just about how it feels. It affects our health, our wallet, and our building’s energy system. Health Canada recommends maintaining indoor temperatures around 20°C to 22°C in the winter and 24°C to 26°C in the summer.
Did you know that heating and cooling use the most energy in a typical Toronto apartment? Keeping temperatures within recommended ranges avoids putting unnecessary strain on your building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
Common thermostat mistakes
Constantly adjusting the temperature: when you frequently change settings, this makes your system work harder and use more energy.
Overheating or overcooling: ranking the thermostat will not heat or cool your space faster. It will definitely increase a building’s energy bill.
Blocked thermostats: putting furniture or curtains in front of the thermostat can cause it to read the room temperature incorrectly. This will cause inefficient heating or cooling.
Tips for smart thermostat use
Set it and forget it: stick to recommended temperatures and avoid major fluctuations.
Keep the area clear: make sure nothing is blocking the thermostat sensor.
Dress for the season: wearing appropriate indoor clothing can help you feel more comfortable without adjusting the temperature.
Program your schedule: If you can program your thermostat, use it to lower the heat or AC when you’re at work or asleep.
How does your thermostat relate to climate change?
Thermostat settings might seem small, but they matter a lot. According to the City of Toronto reports, the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto are buildings. They account for 60 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions! This is because most heating systems in Toronto still run on natural gas, a fossil fuel whose burning contributes to warming up the planet.
By using your thermostat wisely, you're not just improving your comfort. You're also playing a part in energy conservation and climate action. Efficient thermostat use reduces energy demand and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also supports the city’s climate action goals, including net-zero emissions by 2040.
If you need help or have questions about your apartment’s heating or cooling, please talk to your building’s superintendent. You can also contact the Conservation team at conservation@torontohousing.ca.
The Conservation team can also provide thermostat guides for any model of thermostat installed at Toronto Community Housing and Toronto Seniors Housing buildings. The team is distributing the thermostat guides through door-to-door engagement or in response to individual/site staff requests.
