When the Quebec winter is in full swing, maintaining a comfortable home can seem like a challenge, especially if you want to avoid skyrocketing energy costs. Here are 10 simple and effective tips to keep you warm, optimize your heating system, and keep the cold away from your cozy home.

1. Insulate your windows to stop air infiltration

Poorly insulated windows let in the cold and unnecessarily increase your energy consumption. Install plastic film inside to limit drafts and install thick curtains or insulating fabrics. Open these during the day to enjoy the sun's rays, then close them again after dark.

Why is it effective?
• You significantly reduce heat loss.
• The energy needed to heat the house decreases, thus limiting your electricity bill.

2. Use textiles for a cocooning effect

There's nothing like a thick rug to insulate your cold floors, especially if you have ceramic or concrete floors. Also, add blankets and cushions to your living areas.

Comfort bonus:
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Less need to turn up the thermostat if you're bundled up on your couch.

3. Rearrange furniture to better distribute heat

Whether it's your electric baseboards or another heating system, make sure no furniture is blocking the flow of hot air. Leave a space of about 15 to 30 centimeters to ensure optimal diffusion.

To remember:
• Unobstructed baseboards heat the room more quickly.
• You avoid cold or poorly heated areas.

4. Move… and cook!

Staying active at home helps you cope better with the cold. A few simple exercises (yoga, stretching, or short cardio circuits) can instantly warm you up. And why not prepare a delicious slow-cooked dish in your oven? Not only will it satisfy your taste buds, it will also diffuse a pleasant warmth throughout the kitchen.

5. Ventilate quickly to renew the air

Air that's too humid can feel cold. Open your windows wide for 2 to 5 minutes to circulate the air and restore a comfortable humidity level. Then close them again and let your electric baseboard heaters heat the drier air, which is easier to reheat.

Extra tip:
• Maintain a humidity level between 40 and 50% for optimal comfort.

6. Install weatherstripping on doors

A simple crack under the front door can let a lot of heat escape. Equip yourself with a weatherstripping (or "draught excluder") to block drafts.

Why invest in weatherstripping?
• Prevents the entry of icy air.
• Reduces the need for additional heating.

7. Drink and eat hot food

Hot drinks and foods (teas, herbal teas, soups, etc.) help maintain your body temperature. Additionally, preparing these dishes releases heat into the kitchen.

Little tip:
• Vary the recipes to combine the useful (warming up) with the pleasant (eating well).

8. Layer your clothes

Layering remains the simplest technique for staying warm. Wear a lightweight sweater under a thicker one, and add warm wool socks or cozy slippers.

Advantage :
• You won't need to turn up the thermostat, which will save you energy.

9. Control the humidity in the house

As mentioned above, humidity affects how cold you feel. Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust with a dehumidifier or humidifier based on the results.

10. Clean your heaters

Electric baseboard heaters need to be dusted regularly to distribute heat efficiently. Vacuum and check that nothing is obstructing air circulation (curtains, sofas, or other objects).

Result :
• More efficient heating.
• Even distribution of heat throughout the room.

Every action counts to face the cold season in comfort... and without blowing up your energy bill!