Cold weather arrived early this year and we already feel it on our energy bills. Here are some tips to help you cut costs ... as well as your ecological footprint!
Do Not Heat Unused Rooms
An old belief is that it’s useless to leave one or more rooms in the house without heating, since they will cool the neighboring rooms and increase the energy bill. This is not entirely untrue. In fact, it’s recommended to maintain a low temperature in these rooms (for example, 15 ° C). Don't forget to close their doors!
What about the Garage?
A garage integrated to a house should not be heated since it’s usually not well insulated. Indeed, it's a bit like throwing money out the window.
Do not Obstruct Heat Sources
Placing large objects such as furniture in front of hot air outlets, such as electric baseboards, will create heat loss and hinder the thermostat’s programming to reach a precise temperature. It’s best to leave a clearance of a few centimeters to allow efficient air circulation.
Use Curtains and Blinds Wisely
In order for the house to store heat from the sun's rays, clear the south-facing windows during daytime. Then, in the evening, close all the curtains and blinds. This will keep the heat inside.
Opt for LED Bulbs
This advice may seem trivial, but it’s not! We actually turn on the lights more often during the cold season, since the sun sets early, so opting for ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs is a great idea. They are 70 to 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and have an impressive lifespan of 15 years.
Christmas Decorations: Bless those Timers!
Has your home been decked out for the holidays? There is undoubtedly a lot more lighting, both inside and outside. LED bulbs are again in order, but using a timer is also a smart move so no light will be left on unnecessarily while everyone is asleep or away.
Invest in a Good Thermostat
About 55% of your electricity bill is used to pay for heating. Programmable and smart thermostats are becoming more and more popular in Quebec homes. They allow savings of 10% of the total bill. How? By providing a stable temperature unlike other thermostats which cause loss of energy because they are constantly being adjusted. They are a little more expensive to buy, but you will reap the benefits within the first year of use.
Lower the Heating at Night or When You are Away
Coming home to a warm house after a long day’s work is total bliss, but it can be expensive! It’s best to leave the house at 18 ° C during the day, when you are away or when you slip under your warm duvet for the night.
How to Find Air Leaks?
In Quebec, 25% of the heat loss in our homes is due to air leaks. First, check doors and windows, electrical outlets, fireplaces and chimneys, as well as air vents. Place a sheet of paper nearby: if it moves, there is a leak! Another sign that something is wrong is when there are traces of water. The presence of a spider web is also an indicator, since these insects like to settle near drafts. Simply caulk the problem areas with a silicone paste.
Weatherstripping and Seals
It’s also recommended to have good weatherstripping and seals in good condition on doors and windows. Replacing them when they are no longer effective is essential. Word to the wise, air infiltration is often located near the windows.
What to do with Switches and Sockets?
If you notice that air is escaping from the electrical outlets, install foam cushions between the plate and the housing. This advice also applies to switches. These additions will minimize heat loss through the walls.
Above all, don't forget that all these efforts will be beneficial not only for your wallet, but also for the planet!