Tips for lowering your electricity bill

Presented by iA Auto and home insurance

Have you noticed an increase in your electricity bill?

In early 2022, the government announced an increase in prices, but the bill to cap Hydro-Québec’s distribution rates at 3% was finally passed last February.

Whether it’s to reduce your expenses or to benefit the planet, here are some tips and tricks that can help you save energy and lower your electricity bill.

Improve air circulation 

Ensure that vents are not blocked. Obstructed air vents cause decreased air circulation and force your ventilation system to work harder to maintain adequate airflow, which could result in higher than necessary energy consumption. In fact, 25% more energy is required to circulate air if these openings aren’t completely clear. 

Change your light bulbs

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. These light bulbs have a long life and produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs while consuming less energy. Also, LEDs don’t contain mercury, a toxic element present in incandescent bulbs, making them easily recyclable and an environmentally friendly choice.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature in your home according to your schedule and habits. Ideally, the ambient temperature should not exceed 21 or 22 degrees. Know that by reducing the temperature in your home by 1°C, you could save as much as 5% to 7% on your energy bill.

Insulate your home

Your home’s thermal insulation reduces heat and cold loss, which can save you money on heating and cooling. In order to do so, you can add or replace insulation in your walls, attic, floors, windows, doors and pipes. The materials commonly used as insulants are mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, polyurethane and cork. By properly insulating your home, you would not only save money on your energy bill, but you would also reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

Use energy-efficient appliances

Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances, which are the most efficient when it comes to energy use. By choosing these appliances (refrigerators, dish washers, air conditioners, washers and driers), you can considerably reduce your energy consumption. According to ENERGY STAR, energy-efficient appliances can reduce energy consumption by 10% to 50% compared to standard appliances.

Turn off electronics on standby

Electronics continue to use electricity when on standby, so be sure to turn them off completely when they’re not in use. TVs, computers, printers and gaming consoles continue to consume energy, even when they’re on standby. This type of energy consumption is known as standby or phantom power. You can also turn off multiple appliances at once by using power bars with on/off switches.

Use thermal curtains

Thermal curtains can help reduce the amount of heat and cold lost through windows, which can save you money on heating and cooling. Thermal curtains are made from insulating materials which prevent hot air from escaping in the winter and cool air from escaping in the summer. In addition to being an efficient solution for reducing energy loss, thermal curtains can also add a layer of insulation to your windows, which can improve your comfort. By using thermal curtains, you can save money on your electricity bill and contribute to sustainable energy consumption.

You now have some simple tips and tricks to put in place to reduce your energy consumption and electricity bill. If you often work remotely or are planning home improvement projects, ensure your home insurance policy is adapted to your needs. The money you save on your electricity bills could be spent enjoying some free time as the good weather returns.