How to Save Energy?

Do you want to reduce your electricity and heating costs? Here you will find various tips to save energy… and money!

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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.

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.

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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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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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?