Energy-efficient appliances in Quebec: how to save on your electricity bill

Is your electricity bill increasing every year? Are your appliances more than 10 years old? Replacing them with ENERGY STAR certified energy-efficient appliances could substantially reduce your electricity costs.

This guide explains how much you can save and how to choose the right appliances.

Key Takeaways

• ENERGY STAR certified appliances consume 9% to 60% less electricity depending on the type of appliance
• A complete set of appliances purchased in 2016 consumes approximately 2,648 kWh less per year than a similar set from the year 2000
• The average lifespan of an appliance ranges from 10 to 21 years, which quickly amortizes the initial investment
• ENERGY STAR products meet rigorous standards set by Natural Resources Canada
• More than 50% of your electricity bill comes from heating costs, making energy efficiency even more important

What is ENERGY STAR certification?

ENERGY STAR certification identifies the most energy-efficient products on the Canadian market. Natural Resources Canada oversees this program and verifies that all certified products meet rigorous technical specifications.

The certification evaluates both electricity consumption and overall appliance performance, ensuring that it performs as well, if not better, than standard models.

Manufacturers must submit their products to independent testing before obtaining certification. The ENERGY STAR logo cannot be affixed without these verifications. Hydro-Québec offers online tools to learn more about the specific standards of certified products.

How much can you really save?

Savings vary depending on the type of appliance you replace.

ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators and freezers are 9% to 10% more efficient than the minimum Canadian standard. For a large refrigerator, annual savings become substantial.

ENERGY STAR dishwashers consume 10% less electricity than standard models. With daily use, savings quickly add up.

ENERGY STAR certified heat pump dryers can save 30% to 60% compared to traditional models. They do not require external venting, limiting air infiltration and reducing your heating needs.

Efficient washing machines use less hot water. 80% to 90% of the energy consumed by a washing machine is used to heat the water. Certified models therefore significantly reduce this portion.

Mistakes to avoid when buying

Choosing an appliance solely based on its purchase price ignores the operating costs over 10 to 15 years. A cheaper refrigerator that consumes much more electricity will cost you more in the long run. Buying an oversized appliance also wastes electricity. A refrigerator that is too large for your actual needs consumes unnecessarily, so choose the right size for the number of people in your household.

Ignoring the EnerGuide label deprives you of essential information. This label indicates the estimated annual kWh consumption, and you should always compare this figure between different models of the same capacity. Not checking the availability of parts can force you to replace the appliance prematurely.

How to identify the best energy-efficient appliances

Look for the ENERGY STAR logo clearly visible on the appliance or packaging. Hydro-Québec provides online tools to compare certified models available on the Quebec market.

Consult the mandatory EnerGuide label on all appliances in Canada. It indicates estimated annual consumption and allows direct comparison between models.

Check for built-in energy-saving features. Modern dishwashers offer eco-friendly cycles and heatless drying options that reduce consumption.

When to replace your current appliances

If your appliance is more than 15 years old, it probably consumes much more than a recent model. Energy efficiency technologies have advanced since 2010, and replacement often pays for itself in a few years through electricity savings. A rise in your bill without a change in your habits can also indicate that your aging appliances are consuming more. Refrigerator compressors and washing machine motors lose efficiency over time.

If the appliance requires a major repair and has exceeded 50% of its lifespan, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model becomes more advantageous than repairing it. Are you renovating your kitchen or laundry room? Take the opportunity to replace all your appliances at once. The combined savings will be greater.

What to do now

Identify which appliance consumes the most in your home. Consult Hydro-Québec's consumption calculation tool to estimate the consumption of each appliance.

Make a list of appliances to replace in the next 2 to 3 years. Prioritize those that have the most significant impact on your bill: refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer. Set a realistic budget, taking into account long-term savings. An ENERGY STAR appliance sometimes costs the same as a standard model. When it's more expensive, calculate how many years it takes to recoup the difference through electricity savings.

Best practices to maximize your savings

Wash your clothes in cold water with detergents designed for this purpose. The clothes will be just as clean as with hot water, and you will save a large part of the energy consumed by your washing machine.

Wait until the dishwasher is full before starting it. Use the air dry cycle instead of heat drying to reduce consumption.

Regularly clean the filters and coils of your appliances. A refrigerator coil covered in dust makes the compressor work harder and increases consumption by up to 30%.

Do not keep the refrigerator door open for too long. As soon as it opens, a large amount of cold air escapes.

Use the energy-saving features built into your appliances. Most recent models offer economic cycles that you must activate manually.

Savings that add up over time

Energy-efficient appliances represent a profitable investment over their entire lifespan. Electricity savings accumulate year after year, reducing your bills and your environmental footprint.

With the right appliances and good usage habits, you can reduce the portion of your bill attributable to appliances.

Need help choosing your appliances?

If you have questions about available energy-efficient models or want to compare different options, our team can guide you. Discover our complete kitchen sets and laundry sets, all chosen for their energy efficiency.

Looking to replace multiple appliances? Contact us.