How to save on your electricity bill in Quebec

How to lower your winter electricity bill

Have a heat pump installed that is eligible for grants

In Quebec, heating and air conditioning account for an average of 54% of a household’s electricity bill, according to official data from Hydro-Québec. The good news is that a single appliance—a heat pump—can help you save a significant amount of money, both in the summer and in the winter, as long as you maintain it properly. Plus, you can offset the cost by taking advantage of various grants, including the Logisvert program.

Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows

According to Hydro-Québec, air leaks can account for as much as 25% of your home’s heat loss. So, what are the consequences of these leaks? Higher energy consumption, which then shows up on your heating bill. That’s why it’s recommend that you check the seals around doors and windows every year to ensure they are still in good condition. An airtight house requires less energy to heat.

How can I reduce my pool’s electricity consumption in the summer?

Set up a timer to limit filtering time

Filtering and heating a swimming pool account for up to 20% of a household’s annual electricity costs. However, installing a timer allows you to stop the pump from running without sacrificing water quality. For example, for an above-ground pool that is 24 feet in diameter, the timer can save $110 per summer, according to estimates from Hydro-Québec. Use these tips to help you program the timer for optimal results.

Use a solar pool cover

A solar pool cover could help you save up to 45% on the water heating costs for your pool. Simply cover your pool with the solar cover—especially at night and even when it’s hot outside—making sure to position the cover so that the bubbles are facing down, touching the water.

Home appliances: How can I lower my electricity bill?

• Choose Energy Star-certified products to reduce your electricity bill and your environmental impact
• Replace your old stove with an induction model for energy savings of up to 20%
• Switch to a heat pump dryer to use up to 60% less electricity
• Replace old, traditional light bulbs with LED models, which are longer-lasting and more energy-efficient

At iA Auto and Home Insurance, we’re here to help you save money while protecting what matters most to you. While you’re here, take this opportunity to review your home insurance coverage and make sure it still meets your needs—right in My Client Space!

FAQ - How to save on your electricity bill

What are the quickest ways to save on electricity at home?

In Quebec, heating and air conditioning alone account for about 54% of the electricity consumption of a household heated by electricity. In the winter, heating is therefore the top expense to keep an eye on if you want to lower your bill.

Start with some good habits: turn the temperature down slightly when you’re sleeping or away from home, avoid heating rooms that aren’t used very often and make sure your electric baseboard heaters or other heating sources aren’t blocked. A heat pump can also help reduce heating-related energy consumption, as can certain programs that encourage households to shift their energy use away from peak periods.

Which appliances use the most electricity in Quebec?

According to Hydro-Québec, the five biggest uses of electricity in a household are heating and air conditioning (54%), water heating (20%), household appliances and electronics (18%), lighting (5%) and other uses, such as swimming pools or sump pumps (3%).

With this information, you can focus your efforts where they’ll have the most impact. For example, reducing hot water usage, using household appliances and electronic devices wisely and choosing LED light bulbs are all steps that can help lower electricity consumption.

What are the best ways to lower your electricity bill?

The best ways to save energy are often the simplest: turn down the heat slightly when you’re sleeping or away from home, take shorter showers, wash clothes in cold water whenever possible, run the washing machine and dishwasher only when they’re full and avoid leaving electronic devices on standby unnecessarily.

You can also monitor your energy consumption in your My Client Space to better understand your usage patterns. Plus, with the energy performance indicator, you can compare your usage with other households like yours and get personalized recommendations.