10 tips for a greener, more budget-friendly home

1. Choose energy-efficient appliances

Need to replace your home appliances? Look for ENERGY STAR-certified models. They offer at least 10% greater energy efficiency compared to standard models, while also reducing your greenhouse gas emissions.

Is your water heater due for replacement? Look for the ECOPEAK^® certification. These three-element models help reduce peak demand for Hydro-Quebec.

Tip: Before replacing an appliance, ask yourself whether it can be repaired. Repairing an appliance that is less than 10 to 12 years old for less than 50% of the cost of a new one is a smart choice.

2. Replace your standard bulbs with LED bulbs

According to Hydro-Québec, this simple step can save you 70 to 90% on electricity for lighting. LED light bulbs also last up to fifteen times longer than standard products—great news for your wallet!

3. Choose your flooring wisely

Replacing your flooring (in the basement or elsewhere) or moving into a new home? Shop for renewable or eco-friendly materials such as:

• Cork
• Bamboo
• Ceramic
• Concrete
• Linoleum

Tip: Choose installations without toxic adhesives to preserve your indoor air quality.

4. Buy second-hand items

Consider second-hand items for renovating, furnishing, or decorating. Prioritize natural, recyclable, and recycled materials. Sell or donate items you no longer need (toys, clothing, furniture) instead of throwing them away. This is the very essence of the circular economy.

5. Save water at home, indoors and in the garden

In the bathroom: Consider a dual-flush toilet (with MaP and WaterSense certifications). You can also install a low-flow showerhead (7.6L/min) and a faucet aerator (5.7L/min).

In the garden: Get a rain barrel. Check with your municipality—many offer eco-barrels at a reduced price. You’ll be able to water your planters without wasting drinking water, even during watering restrictions.

6. Compost your food scraps and organic matter

Get a home composter, whether or not your municipality offers collection. In addition to reducing your household waste, you’ll be able to enrich your planting soil at no cost.

7. Heat less, but heat better!

Use programmable or smart electronic thermostats to control the temperature in your home. By better managing your energy consumption based on your schedule, you’ll significantly reduce your heating bill.

8. Install high-performance windows and doors

When replacing your doors and windows, look for ENERGY STAR products. These windows are approximately 20% more energy-efficient and doors approximately 15% more airtight, according to Natural Resources Canada.

Good to know: You may be eligible for residential incentive programs. Good contractors are familiar with these programs and can even help you with your applications.

9. Clean with eco-friendly products

The EcoLogo certification guarantees environmentally friendly cleaning products. To reduce your plastic consumption, use refillable containers.

Good to know: White vinegar and baking soda (both natural and biodegradable) can effectively replace many household cleaning products. For an effective and budget-friendly all-purpose cleaner, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. It’s highly effective against bacteria without polluting your indoor air.

For surfaces that require more thorough disinfection (such as kitchen counters or the toilet), you can use hydrogen peroxide or thyme-based solutions, which are known for their antibacterial properties.

10. Choose low-VOC paints

Traditional paints contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Opt for zero-VOC or low-VOC paints, including for the colourant. Recycled water-based paints are also an excellent choice.

Want to go further in reducing your ecological footprint?

• Have an energy audit done on your home to identify weak points in your insulation.
• Improve the insulation of your walls, roof, and floor as needed.
• Check the weatherstripping on your doors and windows, and optimize your heating and ventilation system.
• Do some work as needed. See our tips for successful renovations.

Adopting eco-responsible practices at home is a simple way to reduce your energy consumption, your costs, and your impact on the environment. By prioritizing durable products and better habits, you can improve your home without undertaking major construction or renovation projects.