What if energy savings did not necessarily involve major work or sacrifices in comfort? Every winter, the same refrain: you be careful, you turn down the heating a little, you turn it off behind you… and despite everything, your electricity bill soars. It’s frustrating, and above all, it weighs on the budget.
Putting a draft excluder under the door: the most underestimated anti-cold barrier
You might think it’s a grandmother’s trick or something you see in old houses. However, the door draft excluder is far from being outdated. It is even a formidable ally against drafts. If you regularly feel cold air passing under the front door or between two rooms, it’s time to act.
This simple tube, often filled with moss or sand, seals the space between the ground and the bottom of the door. Result: less heat loss, therefore less wasted heating. And above all, it is a solution for less than 10 euros, which can be installed in two minutes.
Little bonus: today there are aesthetic and reusable models, which you can even make yourself with an old fabric and rice. Yes, really.
Aluminum panels behind the curtains to block the cold
Here’s a little-known but ultra-effective tip: slip an aluminum panel (or a survival firewall, even cheaper) between your curtains and your windows. For what ? Because the majority of French homes lose a significant part of their heat through the windows, especially if you don’t have double glazing everywhere.
Aluminum acts as a thermal barrier: it reflects heat inwards and blocks cold coming from the outside. It’s not magic, but it’s stunning. According to several tests, this would reduce thermal loss by up to 10% from a poorly insulated bay window.
You can attach these panels very simply with double-sided tape or wedge them behind the curtain rods. Invisible, discreet, but devilishly effective.
Adjusting the temperature of the water heater: an expensive detail
You may have never checked it, and yet: the majority of electric water heaters are set way too hot. By default, many run at 65 or 70°C. Result: not only does it cost you a lot to heat, but you also mix it with cold water every time you shower. Absurd, right?
Lowering the temperature to 55°C is more than enough for normal use, and it is the good compromise between comfort, economy and safety (below that, there is a risk of bacterial proliferation). According to ADEME, the water heater can represent up to 15% of your total electricity consumption.
Reducing the temperature of your tank by 10°C can save you between 7 and 10% on your bill. And it doesn’t change your comfort at all. Do you want something concrete to do today? Go check the little dial or the instructions for your balloon. A simple screwdriver may be enough.
Other tips exist, but these are the most profitable
You understand, this is not about radically changing your daily life or investing in a heat pump. These three actions have in common their simplicity, their accessibility and their immediate effectiveness.
- The door draft excluder: less than $10, immediate effect
- The aluminum panel: $3 per firewall, up to 10% heating savings
- Adjusting the water heater: zero euros, a few minutes, and up to 10% savings
Adopting these small gestures is like blocking an invisible leak: you can’t see it… but your bill is affected. And at the end of winter, it’s your wallet that will thank you.
FAQ – Electricity bill reduction: what you need to know
1. What is the best brand of insulating door draft excluder?
There is no single brand that dominates the market, but several highly rated models are offered by Aubry Gaspard, Sweek or even Thermocraft. The important thing is to choose a draft excluder long enough to cover the entire width of the door, with a dense material (foam or sand) and a washable cover.
2. Where to buy aluminum panels to insulate windows?
You can easily find them in DIY stores like Leroy Merlin, Castorama, Brico Depotor on sites like Amazon. Aluminum survival firewalls are a cheap alternative, often sold in the camping or survival departments.
3. Is lowering the water heater temperature really safe?
Yes, provided it does not drop below 50°C. The recommended setting is around 55°Cwhich prevents burns, limits bacteria (such as legionella) and reduces energy consumption. If in doubt, consult the manual for your water heater.
4. Are these actions enough to really lower the bill?
Yes, if applied correctly and combined. These three gestures each allow up to 10% savings. Together, they can compensate for a price increase or reduce the impact of poorly insulated housing, without investing in major equipment.
5. Can we combine these tips with the energy check?
Absolutely. THE energy check can be used to purchase certain equipment such as a more efficient water heater or insulating materials (such as thermal insulation or panels). It is accepted in the majority of major DIY stores.
Photo credit: @shutterstock
