Household energy efficiency

Use energy wisely at home.

From heating settings to a renovation project: practical ways to spot waste and improve comfort, for households in France and Canada.

Step 01

Understand your home and its energy use

Gather a few useful observations to decide where to start. Changes in bills can also reflect energy prices, weather and how much time people spend at home.

Review your consumption: Record energy quantities and billing periods. Compare periods of similar length and season, noting changes in occupancy or equipment.
Identify the main uses: Find out how heating, hot water, cooling and major appliances work in your home. Locate their manuals and the settings intended for users.
Record comfort problems: Note cold rooms, summer overheating, drafts and recurring condensation. These observations can help a professional look for the cause.
Choose one starting point: Try one simple adjustment at a time. Record the date, how comfortable the home feels and consumption when you have a comparable reading.

Step 02

Reduce everyday waste

Start with uses you can adjust easily, taking household needs and the equipment’s instructions into account.

Match heating to your schedule: Use the thermostat’s schedule to suit occupied rooms and your routine. Keep radiators unobstructed and choose settings that meet your household’s needs.
Avoid wasting hot water: Avoid running water unnecessarily, shorten showers and look for dripping taps. Have a leak repaired if it is beyond what you can safely address.
Use appliances thoughtfully: Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher without overloading them. Choose an appropriate eco program and a wash temperature suitable for the laundry and its care instructions.
Switch off what can be switched off: Turn off unnecessary lights and unused devices. Keep power connected to equipment that needs continuous operation, including ventilation and safety devices.

Step 03

Stay comfortable through summer and winter

Useful habits change with the season. Fresh air remains important when you are trying to keep warmth in or heat out.

Keep warmth in during winter: Let sunlight in during the day, then close shutters and curtains in the evening. Close doors to unheated spaces while keeping air vents clear.
Limit heat during summer: Shade windows before direct sun reaches them. Keep windows closed when outside air is hotter; let air circulate when it becomes cooler outside and conditions allow.
Keep ventilation working: Never block air vents. Keep the ventilation system operating, maintain accessible parts as instructed and open windows briefly each day, including in winter.
Have persistent problems checked: If dampness, drafts or discomfort persist, seek advice about the home and its equipment. Heating alone cannot address every cause.

Step 04

Set renovation priorities with a professional

A useful project connects the building’s condition, household needs and proposed work. Prepare your questions before replacing equipment or starting renovations.

In France, choose the right assessment: France Rénov’ can guide you. A DPE rates the home’s energy performance; an energy audit examines renovation scenarios. Ask which assessment suits your project.
In Canada, explore an EnerGuide evaluation: An advisor registered with Natural Resources Canada can evaluate the home and recommend improvements. In Québec, check the government website for the current Rénoclimat process.
Plan a coherent order of work: Consider insulation, airtightness, ventilation and heating needs together. Ask for an order of work suited to the building, summer comfort and your budget.
Compare proposals before deciding: Request detailed quotes and the assumptions behind estimated savings. Check the official procedures and program conditions that apply to your project before making a commitment.

Put it into practice

My action checklist.

Gather bills and record the periods covered by consumption readings.
Find the settings for heating, hot water and major appliances.
Choose one first step and note its effect on comfort.
Check that air vents and radiators remain unobstructed.
Prepare a routine for hot days and cold nights.
Gather observations about the home and questions for an advisor.
Compare quotes and check official procedures before starting renovation work.

Learn more and find support

Sources to guide you.

Sources consulted on November 13, 2026. Check which guidance and services apply to your country and circumstances.

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