10 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill this Winter - Natural Gas, Heating, Furnace Gatineau - Gazifère

For many of us, winter rhymes with ski, hot chocolate and quality time with friends and family. But for others, the winter season rather means having to pay high energy bills due to house heating.

There are numerous ways to save money by conserving energy. Discover our 10 best tips below:

  1. Replace worn weatherstripping

    Worn and torn weatherstripping around your doors and windows lets cold air in. According to Hydro-Québec, air leakage can represent 25% of heat loss in your home. Together, they can correspond to a hole the size of a basketball! Definitely consider replacing worn weatherstripping before the cold season begins.
  1. Adjust door thresholds

    If you are able to see the sunlight below your entrance, you’re losing hot air from the inside, which you paid to get heated. Certain door thresholds have screws, making it possible to adjust their height, thus eliminating the gap between the door threshold and the door. Turn the screws in a counterclockwise motion to lift the door threshold until it is perfectly adjusted to the bottom of the door.
  1. Improve the insulation of your indoor electrical plugs and switches

    Air leakages can take place in multiple locations inside your house, even in tiny corners, like around power switches and outlets. Follow these few tips from Hydro-Québec for optimal caulking and a cautious installation: https://www.hydroquebec.com/residential/energy-wise/heating-air-conditioning/how-to-caulk.html
  1. Cover windows and patio doors with plastic film

    Windows represent 25% of heat loss in houses. Covering your windows and sliding patio doors with clear plastic film can reduce this loss. This method will help you save about 14% on your heating bill. The film is easy to install and will not impair the functioning of your curtains and blinds. If you install it correctly, you will hardly notice it. When spring comes, it is easy to remove.
  1. Insulate the door to the attic

    Even in well insulated attics, the access door may not be properly insulated, letting hot air out through the attic hatch. The same problem occurs if the door is deformed or if something is keeping it from being adequately closed. To ensure that the door is reducing heat loss as much as possible, use an adhesive to attach the fibreglass batting to the attic side of the door. And if the door is not lying flat on its framing, consider installing a locking system to obtain better sealing.
  1. Optimize the performance of your appliances

    If you own an old oil furnace, possibly 70% efficient, it’s as though 30% of the energy utilized by your furnace is lost. It may be time to substitute it for a younger model! By opting for a more effective heating unit, preferably natural gas, which is a much cheaper energy source than furnace oil, you will undoubtedly save money this winter and for many winters to come. I’d like to invite you to do this simple exercise. Submit your annual furnace oil consumption to this savings calculator suggested by Gazifère on their website. With just a few clicks, you will get a better idea of any substantial annual savings you could be achieving. The results could really surprise you!
  1. Use the sun to your advantage

    In spite of the freezing temperature outside, the sunlight can bring a lot of heat into your home. And it’s free, so enjoy it: the heat entering your house will reduce the needed heat that your heating unit would otherwise have to provide. Keep your curtains open during the day, especially at the south side of the house, which is where you’ll be receiving more direct sunlight. Cut any tree branches or bushes around your windows to maximize the efficiency. Close the curtains at night, as they will act as a barrier that reduces draughts.
  1. Keep hot air ducts clear

    Hot air vents should not be obstructed in order to provide uniform heating in the rooms of your house. If you place your favorite couch on an air duct, you are limiting the heat flux. To reduce your heating costs, organize your room’s layout in a way that heat sources are as cleared out as possible.
  1. Program your thermostat

    To preserve comfort while maximizing savings, control the ambient temperature with a programmable thermostat. According to Hydro-Québec, reducing the temperature by one degree Celsius will cut down 5 to 7% on heating costs. Some thermostats suggest programming various temperatures for specific periods of the day; for example, programing your thermostat at 17°C at night and while you’re outside, and at 20°C when you are inside the house. https://gazifere.com/en/gazifere-green/tips-saving-energy/
  1. Establish good habits

    Follow Hydro-Québec’s tips:

    • Reduce your shower time.
    • Use your dishwasher judiciously: only start it when it is filled to full capacity.
    • Use your washer and dryer wisely: do large loads, wash with cold water and select the the adequate cycle.
    • Unplug your electronic devices, especially when you’re going off on holidays, to get rid of appliances’ phantom load.
    • Turn off your electronic appliances: television set, computer and high fidelity amplifier, as soon as you stop using them. These devices use electricity even when in standby-mode.
    • Turn off the lights as soon as you leave a room.
Avis de sécurité aux clients de la région
Nos équipes répondent aux appels d'urgence dans cette zone à cause de la tempête. Si vous sentez une odeur de gaz, composez le 1-866-763-5427 ou le 911. ______________________________________________________________________
Safety notice to customers in the region
Our crews are responding to emergency calls in this area due to the storm. If you smell gas, call 1-866-763-5427 or 911.
Risque d’inondations dans divers
secteurs de la ville de Gatineau
Étant donné qu’un avis d’inondations a été émis pour certains secteurs, Gazifère pourrait être dans l’obligation de couper l’alimentation en gaz naturel à votre propriété, pour votre sécurité. Dans cette éventualité, nous rétablirons les services lorsque les eaux auront baissé.

Pour plus d’information sur la sécurité concernant vos appareils à gaz naturel et sur la mise à jour de la situation des inondations émise par la Ville de Gatineau cliquez ici.

Flood risk in various sectors of the
City of Gatineau
Due to the flood advisory that has been issued in some areas, Gazifère may have to turn off the gas service to your property for safety. We will restore service when flooding has subsided.

For more information on natural gas equipment safety and updates in French issued by the City of Gatineau, click here.

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Risque d’inondations dans divers
secteurs de Gatineau
Pour les clients touchés par cet avis, pour des raisons de sécurité, Gazifère se voit dans l’obligation de couper l’alimentation en gaz naturel à la propriété. Nous rétablirons les services lorsque les eaux auront baissé. Pour plus d’information cliquez ici.
Flood risk in various sectors of Gatineau
For customers in the affected areas, Gazifère has had to turn off the supply of natural gas to the property for safety reasons. We will reconnect the gas once the water has receded. For more information, click here.
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Risques d’inondation dans les secteurs Aylmer (rue Fraser)
et Gatineau (rues Jacques-Cartier, Saint-Louis, Riviera, Parisien et du Ruisseau)
Pour les clients touchés par cet avis, pour des raisons de sécurité, Gazifère se voit dans l’obligation de couper l’alimentation en gaz naturel à la propriété. Nous rétablirons les services lorsque les eaux auront baissé. Pour plus d’information cliquez ici.
Flood risk in sectors Aylmer (Fraser St.) and
Gatineau (streets Jacques-Cartier, Saint-Louis, Riviera, Parisien, and du Ruisseau)
For customers in the affected areas, Gazifère has had to turn off the supply of natural gas to the property for safety reasons. We will reconnect the gas once the water has receded. For more information, click here.
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Réouverture de votre compteur
Si votre compteur ou vos appareils à gaz naturel ont été fermés en raison des inondations, pour plus d’information concernant la réouverture de votre compteur et vos prochaines factures de Gazifère, cliquez ici.
Turning your meter back on
If your meter or natural gas appliances were turned off due to flooding, and you would like to obtain more information about turning your meter back on and about your future gas bills, click here.
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MESSAGE IMPORTANT
Nous éprouvons actuellement des difficultés avec notre système téléphonique. Les appels d'urgence seront traités en priorité. Merci de votre compréhension.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our telephone system. Emergency calls will be given priority. Thank you for your understanding.
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Sollicitation porte-à-porte
Door to door solicitation
Avis
Lors d’une interruption du service postal, vous demeurez responsable d’acquitter le solde de votre facture à la date d’échéance. Gazifère vous propose différentes options pour en obtenir le solde ainsi que pour en effectuer le paiement. Pour plus d’information, cliquez ici. ______________________________________________________________________
Notice
During a Canada Post service disruption, you are still responsible for keeping your account up to date. Gazifère offers several options to help you manage your account. For more information, click here.
AVIS - ACCUMULATION DE NEIGE
Pour le bon fonctionnement de vos appareils à gaz naturel, il est important de déneiger soigneusement les entrées d’air extérieures, les conduits d’évacuation et le compteur. Faites-le régulièrement et surtout lors d’importantes accumulations de neige. ______________________________________________________________________
NOTICE - ACCUMULATION OF SNOW
To ensure the safe and efficient operation of your natural gas appliances, it is important that you carefully clear the exterior air intakes, exhaust pipes and meter. Clear regularly and especially when there's a heavy accumulation of snow.
Réouverture de votre compteur
Si votre compteur ou vos appareils à gaz naturel ont été fermés en raison des inondations, pour plus d’information concernant la réouverture de votre compteur et vos prochaines factures de Gazifère, cliquez ici.
Turning your meter back on
If your meter or natural gas appliances were turned off due to flooding, and you would like to obtain more information about turning your meter back on and about your future gas bills, click here.