Ten ways to make your home energy‑efficient
Planning on renovating? Here are 10 tips to help you plan your work and make your home energy‑efficient.
Before you start, make sure you plan your projects well. If you need to have a pole moved or work done near power lines, plan ahead!
Submit a work request specifying the date on which you would like the work to be done. It’s an important step that will help keep you safe!
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1
Insulation
Drafts, condensation, cold floors... If heat is escaping from your home, you need to use more energy to make up for the loss. In Québec, heating accounts for 50% of the energy used in a typical household. To keep the heat inside next winter, consider insulating the walls and sealing air leaks.
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2
Caulking
Did you feel air leaks over the winter? Watch our videos showing you how to weatherize your windows. They contain some practical tips on sealing the most common air leaks.
You’ll be glad you did when you receive your electricity bill next winter!
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3
Windows and patio doors
Is it time to replace your doors and windows? There’s a large selection of energy-efficient windows on the market. Hire a specialist to install your ENERGY STAR® certified windows and patio doors. They’ll last from 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Be sure to deal with an installer certified by Fenestration Canada or a specialist who has taken the window installer FIT training program offered by the Association de vitrerie et fenestration du Québec (AVFQ). They are experts in the field.
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4
Heat pump
Are you planning on replacing your heat pump or installing a new one? The right model will regulate the temperature year-round and help you achieve substantial savings on your electricity bill!
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5
Programmable electronic thermostats
Have you considered installing electronic thermostats to increase your home’s comfort? Electronic thermostats can help you save up to $150, or 10% of your annual heating bill. In addition to maintaining a stable, even temperature that varies by no more than 0.5°C from the thermostat setting, they continuously monitor room temperature and display it accurately.
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6
Save even more with smart devices!
What would you say to energy savings of up to 15% as well as cash rewards of up to $120 per winter? It’s possible with Hilo’s smart home service
! With connected devices (thermostats, switches, smart plugs, etc.) that you program and set using a mobile app, you use only the energy you need. If you are planning on renovating, now’s the perfect time to opt for the comfort of a smart home. -
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WaterSense® labeled water- and energy‑saving products
Do you have your WaterSense® kit? Optimize your hot water consumption with WaterSense® labeled showerheads and faucet aerators. These low-flow products are easy to install and provide the same daily comfort.
For a limited time, save 25% on all WaterSense® labeled kits of water- and energy‑saving products.
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8
ECOPEAK® water heater
Time to change your water heater? Replace it with one featuring Québec-designed ECOPEAK® technology and get a $100 rebate. You will be making an environmentally responsible choice and helping reduce electricity demand during peak periods. Who said comfort and energy‑efficiency can’t go hand inhand?
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9
Lighting
Thinking of replacing your incandescent bulbs? Opt for ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs. You’ll benefit from superior quality and save considerable energy. In addition to excellent color rendering, they provide a consistent light output and come with a minimum three-year warranty. Want to do more? Read our tips on lighting.
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ENERGY STAR® appliances
Did you know that an ENERGY STAR® certified washer uses 25% less energy on average than a classic model and 45% less water? Should you decide in the midst of your renovations that you need new household appliances, consider ENERGY STAR® certified products for your next purchase. The ENERGY STAR® symbol makes it easy to identify the best energy performers on the market.