Yes, you can save money without sacrificing comfort. By heating only the rooms you use, when you use them, you limit unnecessary costs and optimize your energy budget. The best energy is the one we don’t consume!
Simple habits to lower your energy bill
- 1
Program your heating wisely:
A programmable or smart thermostat helps you automatically adjust the temperature to the time of day or the day of the week. With a smart model, you can also control your heat remotely. Imagine coming home to a nice warm house—and saving up to 8% on your energy bill.1
- 2
Set the right temperature:
Lower the temperature by 2°C or 3°C at night or when you’re out. Do the same for unused rooms to lower your costs without compromising comfort. Natural Resources Canada recommends 20°C during the day and 17°C at night or when you’re not home.1 For extended absences, lower the temperature to between 12°C and 15°C.
- 3
Manage hot water better:
Shower and use your appliances (dishwasher and washing machine) outside of peak hours, so before 6 a.m. or after 8 p.m., when energy demand is lower.
- 4
Dress for the season:
Something as simple as wearing warm, loose-fitting clothes in winter lets you turn the heat down and still stay comfortable. You can lower the ambient temperature by 2°C and save about 4% on your energy bill.2
- 5
Harness the warmth of the sun:
Open the curtains and blinds during the day to let in the natural heat, then close them at night to keep it in. It’s an easy way to help stabilize indoor temperatures and reduce heating costs.
Recommended temperatures per room
54%
Heating and cooling alone account for 54% of energy consumption of Quebec households.3 That’s over half their energy bill.
When to turn the heating on and off
In the fall, as soon as temperatures cool down and your home stays at or below 18°C during the day for several days in a row, it’s time to turn on the heat. The goal is to maintain constant comfort without letting the cold settle in the walls.
In the spring, gradually turn the heating down as the weather improves. To avoid unnecessary consumption, turn it off as soon as the indoor temperature stays pleasant without added heat.
