Did you know that approximately 50% of your electricity bill during the winter is attributed to heating costs?
Learn how to easily lower your energy costs and reduce your environmental impact.
1- Get an energy audit of your house
The very first step is to assess the energy performance of your home. If you find your heating bills to be excessively high, you may be eligible for a free visit from a Rénoclimat advisor who can provide personalized advice on improving your home’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, the organization offers financial assistance for insulation work, air sealing, door and window replacement, and the installation or replacement of mechanical systems (ventilation systems, water heaters, heat pumps, heating systems, and geothermal systems).
2- Choose the right thermostat
Reducing your heating bill involves taking the time to select the right thermostat. To optimize energy consumption, we recommend opting for a programmable and intelligent electronic model. You can control the temperature based on your comings and goings, saving approximately 10% on your monthly bill. Additionally, if you are environmentally conscious and budget-minded, we advise lowering your thermostat by 1 degree compared to last year. It may seem insignificant, but it makes a difference!
3- Check the seals around doors and windows.
There’s a good chance that the seals around your doors and windows are worn out or the wooden frames are rotting. To find out for sure, you can do a simple air leakage test. It’s a quick and easy way to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
4- To reduce humidity
The most formidable enemy of heat in a property during winter is humidity. If you wish to monitor and adjust the humidity level in your home, a hygrometer is available. This device, found in hardware stores, alerts you when the 30% humidity threshold is exceeded. Here are a few tips to reduce humidity in your home on a daily basis:
- Ventilate the bathroom;
- Avoid drying your laundry indoors (dryer or room with a window);
- Air out the house for a few minutes each day by opening one or two doors;
- Close the curtains at night and open them during the day to block the cold and let in the sun.
5- Tips for the budget-conscious buyer
If you are in the process of purchasing a property, it is better to be safe than sorry. When visiting a property, ensure that there are no air leaks or ventilation issues. These are easier to detect in winter due to cold drafts. This will prevent future insulation problems. Additionally, inquire about the energy performance of your future home and the solutions to improve it.
More tips to lower your heating bill this winter
- Don’t heat unused rooms;
- Choose LED light bulbs;
- Turn off lights when you leave a room;
- Limit the use of energy-intensive appliances;
- Look for energy-efficient labels when purchasing new appliances;
- Reduce hot water usage
Want more tips on cutting your electricity bill? Check out Hydro-Québec’s website or watch Max’s videos.
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