Energy performance: Observation and analysis
- Kim Cloutier
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Do your electricity bills seem too high? Are you wondering if your energy consumption is comparable to that of your neighbors and, above all, how to reduce it? Many Quebec households are unaware that their home may be consuming much more energy than necessary, often due to inefficient insulation or poor airtightness.
The good news? There are simple and effective tools to assess and control your consumption. One of the most practical is Hydro-Québec's energy consumption comparator. This free tool allows you to compare your home to other similar homes, identify your weak points and discover concrete areas for improvement.
In this article, we guide you through using this comparator and understanding your results. You will also find practical advice to optimize your consumption, reduce your costs and take another step towards an energy-efficient home.
How to assess your home's energy consumption?
A key tool: Hydro-Québec’s energy consumption comparator
The energy consumption comparator is a free and accessible resource that allows you to compare your consumption to that of homes with similar characteristics.
How does the comparator work?
Here are the steps to use this tool:
Enter the characteristics of your home:
Type of residence (single-family, semi-detached, apartment, etc.)
Year of construction
Living area
Energy sources used (electricity, gas, etc.)
Number of occupants
Data analysis:
The comparator analyzes your consumption based on data grouped for homes with similar characteristics.
Detailed results:
You get a clear comparative report that lets you know whether your home is more or less efficient than the average.
Analysis of results
First, it provides you with a clear picture of your energy consumption, detailing the percentage of energy used by sector. By identifying your biggest sources of expenditure, you can prioritize the most effective actions to reduce your costs.
One of the major advantages of the Hydro-Québec comparator is its ability to compare your consumption to that of similar homes. By comparing your consumption to that of homes with comparable characteristics (size, type, year of construction), you get a clear and objective overview.
This analysis is not limited to a simple comparison: it helps you set realistic and tangible goals.
What the comparator teaches us:
1. Identify weak points
If your consumption is higher than average, this may reveal weaknesses such as:
Poor thermal insulation.
Obsolete energy equipment.
Air leaks due to insufficient sealing.
2. Confirm your strengths
If your home consumes less energy than average, this may be due to:
Recent renovations (windows, insulation, etc.).
The use of efficient equipment.
Good energy habits (e.g.: thermostat programming).
3. Follow concrete improvement paths
The comparator also offers targeted recommendations to optimize your consumption:
Improve thermal efficiency:
Insulate the walls and roof and check the tightness of doors and windows.
Modernize equipment:
Replace old heating and ventilation systems with more efficient models.
Optimize energy behavior:
Adopt simple actions, such as adjusting the temperature according to the season or turning off devices on standby.
Make your home a model of energy efficiency
Understanding the factors that influence your home's energy consumption is an essential step in improving your comfort and reducing your costs. With Hydro-Québec's comparator, you can identify your weak points, compare your consumption to similar homes, and set concrete goals to improve your home's efficiency. Whether your consumption is higher or lower than average, every action taken to improve energy efficiency contributes to preserving resources and reducing costs.
Next step :
Try Hydro-Québec's energy consumption comparator today to assess your current situation.
Consider eco-responsible renovations with experts to maximize your home's efficiency. Read our article on the subject to target the interventions that will make the biggest difference for your home.
Every action counts. Together, let's transform your home into a more efficient and environmentally friendly habitat.
To go further
Additional tools to optimize your consumption
Hydro-Québec customer area: your energy dashboard
View your monthly consumption, receive seasonal comparative reports and personalized advice.
Hydro-Québec mobile application: real-time data
Track your consumption live and receive alerts if you exceed the average for similar households.
Cost estimation tool: ideal for moving
Estimate the energy costs of a home before buying or renting to plan your budget.
Detailed energy report
Analyze your hourly consumption and identify peak periods to reduce the use of energy-intensive appliances.
Directory of energy efficiency tips
Discover the solutions and tips available to you to reduce your energy consumption and your bill.
