Do you often feel like you’re heating the outdoors? Québec winters can be harsh, and plummeting temperatures can quickly raise your power bill. Even if you live in a newly built residence, adopting the following habits can make quite a difference.
In fact, during a cold snap, heating may account for 80% of your electricity bill. Ready to try our simple yet effective tips to save money while still keeping your home comfortable?
1. Optimize Your Insulation
The best way to keep the heat inside your home is to stop it from escaping in the first place! You may believe that you can only tackle insulation issues during large-scale renovation projects. While true in some instances, there are exceptions. Carefully applied caulking or weatherstripping can also improve insulation levels.
- Check that your walls, roof and basement are properly insulated (by looking for drafts or cold zones).
- Inspect typically neglected areas, such as around window frames, electrical outlets and doors, for cracks through which cool air can leak in.
Here’s a Trick:
If you do feel a breeze coming from the windows, apply a plastic insulation film or cover them with thermal curtains to stop the cold from getting in. It can be that simple!
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A smart or programmable thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature according to your needs. For example, lower the temperature at night or when you’re out of the house, but program the thermostats to raise it again before you return. This will reduce your energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. As a rule, all the thermostats in an open-concept space should also be set at the same temperature.
Good to Know:
- Hydro-Québec suggests that you maintain the temperature in living areas at 20 °C and 17 °C in bedrooms to maximize savings.
- If you don’t have programmable thermostats, adjust the temperature manually one room at a time. But be aware that if you forget a room, the heating system will run at full capacity to compensate, which won’t be very cost efficient!
3. Heat Smarter
You should likewise avoid overheating your home. Close off and lower the temperature in rarely used rooms. Moreover, ensure good heat circulation by not obstructing air outlets and electric baseboard heaters with furniture or curtains.
4. Maintain Your Heating Systems
This may seem obvious, but it’s an effective way of consuming less energy to heat your house. So, how do you go about it?
- Regularly wipe down your electric baseboards with a damp cloth.
- Replace your heat pumps’ or ventilation systems’ filters.
- Have your systems professionally inspected at least once every two years.
- If you have a chimney, getting it swept is just as important!
- In the case of a gas fireplace, check the insulation around the chase, dust the combustion chamber and clean the ventilation ducts. It’s usually best to have this type of maintenance done by an expert.
5. Make the Most of Natural Heat
Did you know you can harness the sun’s free energy to heat your home? You’ll be surprised how much this can lower your heating bill! Similar to the greenhouse effect floor to ceiling windows produce in a condo in the summer. So, in winter, it’s best to let the sunshine in during the day by opening your curtains, especially those windows facing south. Then close the curtains in the evening to trap the heat.
6. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you own obsolete appliances or heating systems, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient models. ENERGY STAR rated products consume less electricity and may qualify for government rebates. You won’t see immediate savings as these appliances are more expensive, but they will quickly pay for themselves. It’s a worthwhile investment if you intend to live in your property for several years.
7. Embrace Eco-Friendly Habits
Small everyday actions can go a long way in reducing your energy consumption. For example:
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Use LED lightbulbs, which need less electricity.
- Unplug devices in standby mode to avoid phantom energy loss.
8. Improve Your Floors’ Airtightness
Cold floors are a common issue in poorly insulated houses. If possible, add rugs and carpets to keep feet warm and limit heat loss.
9. Research Available Rebates and Programs
What better way to cut your power bill than receiving an unexpected cheque? Find out what assistance programs the government or Hydro-Québec offers to improve your home’s energy efficiency. These rebates may decrease your renovation costs and help you save money in the long run. Participation in the Hilo service, for example, may save you up to 15% on your electricity bill. Plus, you’ll earn cash rewards when you complete challenges during peak periods.
Good to Know:
When it comes to selling, a well insulated and highly energy-efficient home will attract more buyers.
By following our advice, not only will you lower your power bill, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint. Everyone wins!