In Quebec, heating accounts for a significant share of a home’s energy consumption. As temperatures begin to drop, a few bad habits can quickly show up on your electricity bill.
The good news? You don’t always need major renovations or a new heating system to reduce your energy use. A few simple changes can already make a difference.
Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid during the colder months.
1. Turning Up the Heat to Warm Your Home Faster
You come home and the temperature inside is 18°C. You turn the thermostat up to 24°C, hoping to reach 21°C faster.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Setting the thermostat higher won’t heat your home any faster. The system will simply continue running until it reaches the temperature you selected.
It’s better to set the thermostat directly to your desired temperature and let the system do its job.
2. Keeping Every Room at the Same Temperature
Does the unused guest room really need to be as warm as the living room?
Lowering the temperature slightly in rooms that are used less often can help reduce energy consumption. Even a small adjustment can make a difference: Hydro-Québec estimates that lowering the temperature by just 1°C throughout the heating season can reduce heating costs by approximately 5%.
The idea, of course, isn’t to turn the guest room into a freezer — just to avoid heating unnecessarily.
3. Turning Off Your Heat Pump When It Gets Cold
This is still a fairly common mistake. A modern heat pump is specifically designed to continue heating your home as outdoor temperatures drop.
Some cold-climate models can operate efficiently at very low temperatures. However, the minimum operating temperature varies from one unit to another, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
When a heat pump is turned off too soon, electric baseboard heaters or another backup heating system must provide more heat, which can increase energy consumption.
4. Running Electric Baseboard Heaters at the Same Time as Your Heat Pump
When a home has both a wall-mounted heat pump and electric baseboard heaters, the two systems should work together — not compete with each other.
Hydro-Québec generally recommends setting baseboard heaters 2 to 3°C below the temperature set on the heat pump. For example, if your heat pump is set to 21°C, your baseboard heaters can be set to 18 or 19°C.
This allows them to serve as a backup heat source when needed rather than operating unnecessarily at the same time as the heat pump.
5. Using the Heat Pump’s “Auto” Mode
Automatic mode may seem like the obvious choice. However, during the heating season, it can sometimes lead to rather absurd situations.
A very sunny day or a fireplace can temporarily raise the indoor temperature enough to cause the heat pump to switch to… air conditioning.
To avoid heating and cooling your home on the same day, it’s better to select “Heat” mode once the colder season sets in.
6. Neglecting Filters and Equipment Maintenance
A poorly maintained heating system or heat pump may have to work harder to maintain the desired level of comfort.
Heat pump filters should be checked and cleaned regularly, especially during periods of heavy use. The outdoor unit should also remain clear of obstructions so that air can circulate freely.
Regular maintenance not only helps maintain your system’s efficiency, but can also help extend the life of your equipment.
7. Letting Heat Escape
Even the best heating system can’t operate at its full potential if your home is constantly losing heat.
Poorly sealed doors and windows, an inadequately insulated attic access hatch, or curtains left open on cold nights can all contribute to heat loss.
One simple trick is to take advantage of the sun during the day by opening blinds and curtains, then closing them in the evening to help keep the heat inside.
A Few Degrees… and Better Habits
Reducing your energy consumption doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort. It’s mostly about heating your home wisely and making sure your different systems are being used as efficiently as possible.
And if your heating system runs constantly, heats your home unevenly, requires frequent repairs, or is simply getting old, your habits may no longer be the problem.
It may be time to have your system evaluated.
The Pétrole Pagé team can advise you on maintaining, repairing or replacing your heating system or heat pump and help you find a solution suited to your home and your needs.