15 Tips to Save on Your Electricity Bill This Winter

The 10 best tips to keep your home warm this winter + 5 low-cost modifications.

We all know that energy bills this season can be very high. But don't worry, we've got energy efficiency tips to keep your home warm and comfortable this season.

And for those looking for a little extra, we've included five low-cost changes to reduce consumption in your home this winter.

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Statistics in Quebec on energy efficiency and residential energy savings:

In Quebec, we lose a lot of heat in our homes during winter. In fact, statistics show we could save up to 20% on our energy bills if we took a few simple steps to prevent heat loss. The most common ways to prevent heat loss are sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows, insulating attics and walls, and making sure our furnace is properly maintained. By taking a few simple steps, we can make a big difference in the amount of energy we use and save money at the same time. Plus, we can protect our planet!

What are the free or low-cost DIY tips?

Most people are looking for ways to save money on their heating and electricity bills, and there are many ways to do it. In this article, we'll cover 10 tips and 5 low-cost tricks you can do yourself for free to save energy and money this season.

10 tips for energy savings and saving money this winter:

Turn on the fan:

Ceiling fans can help circulate heat in the room and make you feel warmer. Just make sure to set them clockwise so they push warm air down.

Avoid exhaust fans:

Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can expel heat from your home. Make sure to turn them off when they're not needed.

Adjust the heat throughout the day:

Home heating uses a lot of energy, but you can save electricity and money by lowering the heat when the family is away or needs it less. Hydro-Québec estimates that lowering the temperature by 3°C at night or when you're away could reduce your electricity bill by 4 to 5% each month.

Let the sun's rays in:

During the day, open curtains and blinds to let the sun's rays in. This will help warm the home and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Close off unused rooms:

If you have rooms in your home that aren't used or aren't used often, seal the bottom of the door with a sweep-style draught stopper. This will prevent warm air from escaping and reduce heating demand.

Lay down a rug:

Hardwood floors can let heat through, but adding a large rug will add a bit of insulation. Plus, your feet will stay nice and warm.

Rearrange your furniture layout:

By moving furniture away from a radiator, you let more heat into the room. It's also better to position yourself well in the room, away from windows and doors where cold air seeps in.

Use a humidifier:

Dry air can make you feel cold. Using a humidifier can help. Just make sure to keep it clean to prevent mould and mild odours.

Check your plumbing system:

Pipes can burst when water freezes. Make sure to check all pipes in your home, especially hot water pipes if they're exposed to cold. You can insulate them with foam insulation sleeves.

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Low-cost tips to save even more money on your energy bill?

You don't need to spend a lot of money on equipment to reduce energy consumption and save on your electricity bill. In fact, there are many low-cost DIY things you can do that will help reduce the amount of energy you use. Here are five tips:

5 tips you can do yourself at low cost:

Use or replace weatherstripping:

Draught stoppers (weatherstripping) are an easy and inexpensive way to block draughts around doors and windows. Use weatherstripping and rubber seals on doors and windows to block draughts. Plus, it's cheaper than buying new doors and windows.

Buy a programmable thermostat:

A programmable thermostat will help you save money by automatically lowering the heat when you're not home and raising it when you are. By doing this, you can reduce your heating costs by 10 to 15%.

Insulate electrical outlets and switch plates:

Electrical outlets and switch plates on an exterior-facing wall are often overlooked when it comes to insulation, but they can be major sources of draughts. You can buy outlet insulation gaskets.

Replace the showerhead to reduce your hot water demand:

Old showerheads can let a high flow of hot water escape. Replacing them with low-flow showerheads saves money.

Check the bathroom vent and kitchen exhaust dampers:

Check bathroom vents and kitchen exhaust valves to make sure they're not letting heat escape. You can check this by holding a tissue against the vent to see if there are any leaks. If there are, you need to replace the seal or gasket. By sealing these leaks, you keep the heat in your home.

So! Do you think you can save some money this winter?

Energy savings are important for your wallet, comfort, and the environment. By following our tips, you'll start saving money on your electricity bill while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

If you're short on time, Beau-frère à louer is here to help.

Your brother-in-law is a great resource to help you in your battle against electricity costs! He can make sure your home is well insulated. He's also a good ally when it comes to weatherstripping and caulking—it's handy to have a brother-in-law in the neighbourhood, isn't it?

15 Tips and Tricks to Save on Your Electricity Bill