Do you want to reduce your electricity and heating costs? Here you will find various tips to save energy… and money!
heating
- Lower the temperature by 3°C at night and during your absence. According to Hydro-Québec, you could reduce your heating costs by 4% to 5%. An easy way to avoid forgetting is to install programmable thermostats! In case of prolonged absence, you can keep the heating between 12°C and 15°C to save energy.
- In unoccupied spaces, lower the temperature to 15°C and keep the door closed.
- In winter, install plastic film on your windows to reduce heat loss. If you want to reuse your plastic film year after year, you can put it on a small Install wooden frames the size of your windows (or two frames for very large windows). You can easily install and remove them.
- If your windows need to be replaced, choose ENERGY STAR certified models.
- Open the blinds during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warmth, and close them at night to provide an additional barrier against the cold.
- Avoid placing furniture in front of your baseboard heaters, vents, etc.
- Close the doors and the damper of your fireplace when it is not in use. Otherwise, the chimney will send heat outside.
- Avoid drying laundry on a clothesline inside the house. Humid air requires more energy for heating. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to put clothes outside when the temperature is appropriate.
- Use the bathroom fan when you take a bath or shower to release moisture.
- If you have a ceiling fan, run it in reverse in winter to circulate the heat.
lighting
- Open the blinds and curtains during the day to take advantage of sunlight and save energy.
- Turn off outdoor and indoor lighting at night if no one is in the room. A timer or motion sensor can also be useful for outdoor lighting.
- Use LED bulbs. They consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
- Install “dimmable” switches to save energy and extend the life of your bulbs.
the kitchen
- Turn off the oven about fifteen minutes before cooking is done. It will stay warm enough, and you’ll save energy.
- If possible, instead of using the oven, use small appliances like the slow cooker.
- If you have a dishwasher, wait until it is full before running it.
- Check the appliances you have purchased on the EnerGuide label to choose those with lower energy consumption.
- If you want to buy a freezer, horizontal models are generally more efficient and less energy-consuming than vertical models.
- Regularly clean the coils of your refrigerator. According to Transition Energy Québec, you can reduce energy consumption by about 12%.
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hot water
- Wash clothes in cold water and wait until you have enough laundry to fill the washing machine before running it.
- Fix the faucet when it leaks.
- Keep your water heater temperature at about 60°C; it doesn’t make sense to heat the water further. However, avoid lowering the temperature, as this could lead to bacteria growth.
- To save energy, install an insulated blanket on your water heater.
- Take a quick shower instead of a bath.
- Install a low-flow showerhead and aerators on your faucets to reduce your hot water consumption.
- If you wash dishes by hand, do not let the water run unnecessarily.
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others
- Unplug your electronic devices if they are not in use to avoid “phantom loads,” which means powering LED indicators.
- Use financial support programs for renovations to carry out work or install environmentally friendly equipment.
- In summer, cover your pool with a solar cover to retain its heat.
(Source: Hydro-Québec, Transition Energy Québec and budget from the DeLaLaurie Intervention and Social Center)
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How to Save Energy?
