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10 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Whether it’s a new or used home, every property can be optimized for greater energy efficiency. In addition to helping protect the planet, reducing your energy consumption also lightens your wallet. With the ecological transition at the forefront of everyone’s mind, every action counts. Our experts share 10 key recommendations in this article to make your home more environmentally friendly and economically advantageous.

1. Choose ENERGY STAR® Doors and Windows

When it comes to energy savings at home, the choice of doors and windows is crucial. Did you know that windows, doors, and skylights can account for up to 25% of energy loss in your home, according to Natural Resources Canada? By choosing ENERGY STAR® certified models, you opt for products that meet strict energy performance standards and allow you to save on heating costs.

2. Replace Your Fossil Fuel Heating System

If you’re still using an oil, propane, or natural gas heating system, it may be wise to switch to renewable energy, like electricity. In Quebec, we’re lucky to have access to abundant hydroelectric power, a clean and renewable energy source. Electricity, in addition to being more eco-friendly, is generally less expensive than natural gas.

3. Install a Heat Pump

Whether central or wall-mounted, a heat pump cools your home during the hot summer months and heats it in winter. It captures heat from the outside air and redistributes it indoors, eliminating the need for energy-hungry heating systems. By choosing to invest in a heat pump, you prioritize a solution that optimizes your energy consumption while improving the comfort of your home year-round.

4. Install Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat analyzes your habits and adjusts the temperature of your home accordingly, ensuring maximum efficiency. For example, if it notices that you usually leave the house at 8 a.m. and return at 6 p.m., it will lower the temperature during the day and begin to warm up just before you return. Additionally, you can control your home’s temperature remotely from your smartphone. According to Écohabitation, smart thermostats allow you to track your energy consumption and save between 10% and 20% on heating bills, and around 15% on cooling bills.

5. Choose LED Lighting Products

Did you know that an LED bulb lasts up to 15 times longer than an incandescent bulb, according to Hydro-Québec? By choosing LED bulbs, you not only get superior lighting quality but also reduce your electricity bill and, ultimately, your carbon footprint.

6. Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it’s time to renew or purchase new appliances, look for energy-efficient certifications with the ENERGY STAR® logo. Just like doors and windows, this certification ensures better energy performance. Also, take a look at the ENERGUIDE label on these appliances. Not only will it inform you about the appliance’s energy consumption, but it will also allow you to compare it with other models.

7. Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Insulation plays a key role in the thermal comfort of your home and, therefore, in your energy expenses. A poorly insulated home lets heat escape in the winter and lets heat in during the summer, making your heating and cooling systems less effective. By investing in quality insulation, particularly in windows, walls, and the roof, you create a thermal barrier that keeps the desired temperature inside your home. For doors and windows, sealing and installing weatherstripping can be affordable solutions to prevent air leaks.

8. Reduce the Use of Artificial Light

Maximizing natural light is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption. Every time we turn on a light, we consume energy. By optimizing the natural light in your home, you not only reduce this consumption, but you also benefit from softer, more pleasant lighting. To do this, clear your windows, opt for light curtains and translucent blinds, and consider solutions like skylights or roof windows. A space well-lit by natural light also offers benefits for well-being and mood.

9. Unplug Your Appliances

We tend to forget that an electronic device can still consume energy even when it’s not in use. According to Hydro-Québec, this “phantom” consumption can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. The solution? Unplug your devices when they’re not in use. To make this task easier, consider grouping your devices on a smart power strip that allows you to turn off several devices when a main device isn’t being used. Small action, big impact!

10. Reduce Your Hot Water Consumption

Hot water is often a luxury we take for granted, not realizing how much it can add to our energy bills and ecological footprint. However, a few simple actions can significantly reduce this consumption. Start by favoring showers over baths, and consider installing energy-efficient showerheads, look for WaterSense® certified products that limit water flow. Remember to turn off faucets when not needed, and wash your clothes in cold water when possible.

Novoclimat 2.0 Standard at Gerik

At Gerik, we don’t just follow trends; we anticipate and adapt to major industry changes. That’s why we have focused on and trained for the Novoclimat 2.0 standard, a reference in energy efficiency in Quebec. As the building code has aligned with the Novoclimat standard, we’ve taken the lead to ensure that our constructions meet the criteria of this new version, offering superior energy efficiency.

Thanks to the in-depth training of our Director of Construction Operations, Eric Leney, we are accredited to build homes that meet the Novoclimat 2.0 standard.

NUDURA Technology: A Step Further in Eco-Energy

In our constant pursuit of innovation and excellence, Gerik has partnered with Maçonnerie Dépôt to integrate NUDURA technology into our constructions. This product, known for its performance and durability, represents a major advancement in eco-energy construction. Not only does it provide superior insulation, but it also helps create more resilient and durable buildings.

Through our close collaboration with Maçonnerie Dépôt, we have access to a network of specialized installation companies in this technology. Every member of this network is an expert in their field, ensuring the quality and efficiency of each installation.

Gerik’s Eco-Energy Approach

For over 35 years, we have been recognized for our expertise in construction. We have always prioritized eco-friendly practices. For us, eco-energy is of double importance: it reflects our commitment to the environment and simultaneously offers innovative, cost-effective solutions to our clients. By choosing sustainable materials, using cutting-edge construction techniques, and integrating advanced energy solutions, we ensure that every project meets eco-energy standards.

Integrating the Novoclimat 2.0 standard is a tangible way to demonstrate our dedication to environmental causes, but also to show our ability to offer our clients homes that are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable, durable, and forward-thinking. If you’d like to learn more about the eco-energy solutions offered by Gerik, don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Efficiency for Homes (FAQ)

How does Gerik integrate advanced energy solutions into its construction projects?

Gerik integrates advanced energy solutions from the design phase, working closely with various experts. This can include installing advanced heating and cooling systems, strategically placing windows and skylights, integrating smart technologies, and using materials and construction techniques that optimize energy efficiency.

What is eco-energy, and why is it so important to Gerik?

Eco-energy refers to solutions and practices that maximize a building’s energy efficiency while minimizing its environmental impact. For Gerik, it reflects our commitment to environmental protection and offering innovative, practical solutions to our clients. It enables us to build homes that are comfortable, durable, and energy-efficient.