Every month, more than 80% of your electricity consumption is divided between your heating, your hot water and your appliances. Discover ten tips that will certainly help you reduce your bill ... and make a gesture for the environment.
1) Install Energy Star doors and windows
Energy Star approved windows and French windows are 20 to 40% more efficient than traditional models. If you replace all the windows in the house, you could save up to 10% of your heating costs a year.
2) Replace your old appliances
Your electrical appliances account for about 21% of your electricity consumption *. If you need to replace them, opt for energy-efficient models that are Energy Star certified.
3) Isolate your exterior walls
Do you renovate the front of the house? Take the opportunity to insulate your home from the outside. The addition of rigid polystyrene panels between the house and the exterior cladding will greatly improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce your electricity bill.
4) Seal air leaks
It's an inexpensive and very cost-effective step: caulk your windows, the bottom of your walls and all other places where air can seep in, such as the attic door, fireplace, electrical outlets or ceiling lights.
5) Insulate the attic
Hot air rises. Attics (commonly called "attic") are therefore a crucial place to isolate, especially since they must also be well ventilated. Check the condition of the vapor barrier and insulation and, if necessary, use blown insulation over existing insulation material.
6) Isolate the foundations
According to the Office of Energy Efficiency Canada, a non-insulated basement increases energy consumption by 25% or more. So be sure to insulate the edge joist and foundation walls with a polyethylene vapor barrier and mattress insulation, with polystyrene panels or with sprayed urethane.
7) Install electronic thermostats
According to Hydro-Québec, the installation of electronic thermostats can help you reduce your annual electricity consumption by up to 10%, and program them to maintain a temperature of 21 ° C in the occupied rooms, but reduce this temperature at night. and in case of absence.
8) Check the humidity level
The heating bill can increase simply because the humidity is too high in your home. To reduce it, ventilate your home every day, use the kitchen and bathroom fans and, if necessary, a dehumidifier in the house.
9) Replace your bulbs with compact fluorescents
Compact fluorescent bulbs are more expensive to buy, but allow you to recover very quickly your investment. In fact, they use 75% less energy and last ten times longer than ordinary bulbs.
10) Change your lifestyle
Do not let appliances run unnecessarily. Reduce the temperature by 2 to 3ºC when you are away. Wash clothes in cold water and take a few less long showers.
These are some small habits to take that will, in the long run, have a big impact on your wallet. Read about more tips on our blog.