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For many of us, winter means skiing, hot chocolate, and spending time with friends and family. For others, the winter season is more about receiving high energy bills due to heating the house.

There are numerous ways to save money by conserving energy. Discover our 10 best tips below:

1. Replace worn weatherstripping
   Worn and torn weatherstripping around your doors and windows lets cold air in. According to Hydro-Québec, air leakage can represent 25% of heat loss in your home. Together, they can correspond to a hole the size of a basketball! Definitely consider replacing worn weatherstripping before the cold season begins.

2. Adjust door thresholds
   If you can see daylight under your front door, you’re losing the warm air you paid to heat. Some door thresholds have screws that allow you to adjust their height to eliminate the gap between the threshold and the door. Turn the screws counterclockwise to raise the threshold until it fits perfectly under the door.

3. Improve the insulation of your indoor electrical plugs and switches
   Air leakages can take place in multiple locations inside your house, even in tiny corners, like around power switches and outlets. Follow these few tips from Hydro-Québec for optimal caulking and a cautious installation: https://www.hydroquebec.com/residential/energy-wise/heating-air-conditioning/how-to-caulk.html

4. Assess your home’s insulation
   Windows account for 25% of heat loss in homes. You can assess your home’s insulation level and associated energy leaks by opting for infrared thermography. You may also be eligible for a $150 cash incentive.

5. Improve your home’s insulation
   Older windows or an attic that is poorly or insufficiently insulated can lead to significant heat loss in your home. To reduce energy loss, you can weatherproof, add insulation, or replace your doors and windows—all of which qualify you for grants under the Rénoclimat program. We double the grant amount from this program.

6. Optimize the performance of your appliances
   Optimizing your appliances’ performance involves a proactive and responsible approach. It’s a balance between maintenance, adapting usage, safety, and environmental responsibility. By applying these strategies, every user can not only improve the efficiency and reliability of their appliances but also contribute to a more sustainable and connected world.

7. Use the sun to your advantage
   In spite of the freezing temperature outside, the sunlight can bring a lot of heat into your home. And it’s free, so enjoy it: the heat entering your house will reduce the needed heat that your heating unit would otherwise have to provide. Keep your curtains open during the day, especially at the south side of the house, which is where you’ll be receiving more direct sunlight. Cut any tree branches or bushes around your windows to maximize the efficiency. Close the curtains at night, as they will act as a barrier that reduces draughts.

8. Keep hot air ducts clear
   Hot air vents should not be obstructed in order to provide uniform heating in the rooms of your house. If you place your favorite couch on an air duct, you are limiting the heat flux. To reduce your heating costs, organize your room’s layout in a way that heat sources are as cleared out as possible.

9. Set your thermostat
   To maintain comfort while maximizing energy savings, control your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat. It can be controlled remotely using a mobile app connected to Wi-Fi. You may also be eligible for a $100 cash incentive when you purchase a qualifying smart thermostat.

10. Establish good habits
    Follow Hydro-Québec’s tips:
    • Reduce your shower time.
    • Use your dishwasher judiciously: only start it when it is filled to full capacity.
    • Use your washer and dryer wisely: do large loads, wash with cold water and select the the adequate cycle.
    • Unplug your electronic devices, especially when you’re going off on holidays, to get rid of appliances’ phantom load.
    • Turn off your electronic appliances: television set, computer and high fidelity amplifier, as soon as you stop using them. These devices use electricity even when in standby-mode.
    • Turn off the lights as soon as you leave a room.