Factors that influence consumption
1 Outdoor temperature: different season, different situation
In winter, especially during cold snaps, your heating system works at full throttle. If it’s powered by electricity, your consumption will increase.
Heating consumption will vary from one region to the next for the same type of home. For example, heating costs are higher in Rouyn-Noranda because winters there are longer and colder.
In winter, things tend to heat up.
Does your bill show an increase in your electricity use even though you know you haven’t changed your thermostat? That’s perfectly normal. The colder it is in winter, the lower the temperature is inside your home, and the harder your heating system has to work to maintain a comfortable temperature. All that hard work calls for a higher energy consumption.
Electricity consumption when it’s very cold
Postponing the use of major appliances and turning the heat down are concrete steps that help Hydro-Québec optimize electricity distribution throughout the grid when demand is high.
Learn more about electricity use during a cold snap
Manage your energy use better during winter peaks
Managing your energy use better means using less energy and avoiding wasting electricity. But it also means helping to reduce the pressure on Hydro-Québec’s grid during cold snaps when demand is high. Every little thing you do can help reduce pressure on the grid and help you save money at the same time.
Find out which offer works best for you: Dynamic pricing or the Hilo smart home service?
When days get longer and temperatures are milder, spring is usually right around the corner. In Québec, days can get quite warm but nights can be cool. There are different ways to consume wisely.
In summer, we try to stay cool in a number of ways, and that can lead to higher electricity costs. For example, if you have a pool or air-conditioning, your consumption will increase. Make wise choices to cut your electricity bills.
Most Quebecers start heating their homes in the fall and set their thermostats at a comfortable temperature.
Thermostats modulate the output of the heating system to maintain the set temperature. When it’s 15°C outside, the heating system doesn’t have to work too hard and consumption is moderate.
2 Your home’s characteristics
Poorly insulated walls, roof spaces and foundations can cause your home to lose up to 40% of its heat. A well-insulated, well-ventilated home is more economical and more comfortable.
Up to 25% of your home’s heat may be escaping. Fortunately, there are inexpensive ways to stop leaks.
You can lose up to 25% of your home’s heat through doors and windows. The number of doors and windows in your home as well as their size, quality (e.g. their energy rating) and exposure can impact the energy consumed for heating.
3 Your habits
By adopting new habits, you can considerably reduce your consumption without spending a penny or sacrificing comfort. Make these little changes when you use the bath, shower, baseboard heaters and cold and hot water.
More tips to Save electricity without spending a cent4 Your appliances and electronics
Certain appliances and electronics consume a lot of energy. Reduce your consumption by using them wisely and in moderation and unplugging them when they are not in operation.
5 Number of occupants
The higher the number of occupants in a household, the greater the electricity consumption. But the number of occupants has little impact on heating. Whether you’re single or in a family of four, you can cut your heating costs by lowering the temperature in your home by 2 to 3°C at night and when you’re away for several hours during the day.
Take charge of your electricity use
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