How to save on your heating bill in winter?

Did you know that about 50% of your electricity bill in winter is for heating?

Discover some easy tips to reduce your electricity bill and your energy consumption.

1- Assess the energy performance of your home

The very first step is to assess the energy performance of your home. If you find that your heating bill is too high, you can benefit from a free visit from a Rénoclimat advisor to get personalized advice on improving the energy efficiency of your home. In addition, the organization offers financial assistance for insulation, waterproofing, door and window replacement, and installation or replacement of mechanical systems (ventilation system, water heater, heat pump, heating system, and geothermal system).

2- Choose the right thermostat

Reducing your heating bill means taking the time to find out more in order to choose the right thermostat. In order to optimize the energy consumed, we suggest opting for a programmable and intelligent electronic model. You can control the temperature according to your comings and goings in order to save about 10% of your monthly bill. In addition, if you have the environment and your wallet at heart, we advise you to reduce your thermostat by 1 degree compared to last year. It may seem trivial, but it makes a difference!

3- Check the tightness of doors and windows

It is likely that your doors and windows are not well sealed or the wooden frames are deteriorating. In order to ensure that they are tight, you can do an infiltration test. Simple and quick, this test will allow you to improve the comfort of your home and its energy performance.

4- Reduce humidity

The formidable enemy of heat in a property in winter is humidity. If you want to be able to monitor and adjust the humidity level in your home, there is a hygrometer. Available in hardware stores, this device alerts you when the 30% humidity threshold is exceeded. Here are some tips for reducing the humidity in your property on a daily basis:

1. Ventilate the bathroom;
2. Avoid drying your laundry inside (dryer or room with a window);
3. Air out for a few minutes by opening one or two doors each day;
4. Close the curtains at night and open them during the day to block the cold and let the sun in.

5- Tip for the thrifty buyer

If you are in the process of buying, prevention is better than cure. When visiting a property, make sure there are no air and/or ventilation leaks. They are easier to spot in winter with cold drafts. This will save you insulation problems later. In addition, find out about the energy performance of your future home and the solutions to improve it.

Other tips to save on your heating bill in winter:

• Don't heat unoccupied rooms unnecessarily;
• Opt for LED bulbs;
• Turn off your lights as you go;
• Reduce the consumption of your electrical appliances;
• Choose appliances that don't consume too much energy;
• Reduce your hot water consumption.

Source : Proprio Direct Inc