Factors that Influence your Consumption
Outside temperature
As we all know, some winters are worse than others. If you heat with electricity, you will consume more during exceptionally cold ones. We can't control the weather but, as you will see below, there are factors than we can control.
Characteristics of your dwelling
Heating accounts for over 50% of your electricity consumption. Your home can lose up to 40% of its heat if the roof and foundation are poorly insulated.
What you can do:
- Have your insulation checked and upgraded if necessary, especially on sides of your house facing north/the prevailing winds.
- Caulk/weatherstrip around your windows, doors, fireplace-and anywhere else air-sealing is needed. It costs very little, and saves a lot!
- In winter, uncover sun-exposed windows and close curtains/blinds on the others.
The factors: Characteristics of your dwelling
Living habits
Changing your habits costs you nothing, and can make a big difference in your energy bill.
What you can do:
- Operate appliances only when necessary.
- Take shorter, cooler showers.
- Repair leaky faucets.
- Don't heat unused rooms.
- Turn down your thermostats at night.
- Open the refrigerator only as long as necessary.
Number of occupants
The more people in your household, the more electricity it consumes.
What you can do:
- Coordinate comings and goings to minimize door opening in winter.
- Turn your thermostats down 2 to 3 °C when no one is home.
The factors: Number of occupants
Electrical appliances
On average, they account for 21% of household electricity consumption.
What you can do:
- When replacing appliances, choose energy-efficient models that meet ENERGY STAR® specifications.
