A smart thermostat can cut your heating bill without you even thinking about it. But in Quebec, there’s a compatibility trap almost nobody knows about. Here’s everything you need to know.
Heating is where it all happens
Heating makes up more than 50 % of the bill in Quebec. A smart thermostat automatically lowers the temperature at night and when you’re away, manages dynamic-pricing peaks, and lets you control everything from your phone. The result: real savings, effortlessly.
The real benefits
📉 Automatic setback
Lowers at night and when you leave, warms up before you return. That’s where the savings come from.
📱 Remote control
Adjust each room from your phone, wherever you are. No more cottage heated for nothing.
⚡ Peak management
Pairs perfectly with the Flex D rate: it reduces on its own during peaks.
Beware of compatibility
Here’s what sellers forget to mention: most popular smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee) are designed for low-voltage 24 V systems — perfect for a furnace or central heat pump, but incompatible with Quebec’s electric heating (baseboards and convectors), which runs on 120/240 V line voltage.
The right model for your heating
- Baseboards / convectors (240 V): high-voltage smart thermostats (Sinopé, Stelpro, Convectair, Ouellet…).
- Heat pump / furnace (24 V): Ecobee, Nest and the like.
- The neutral: some models require a neutral wire in the box — not always present in older installations. We check first.
Installation, room by room
On electric heating, we generally replace one thermostat per heating zone. Each thermostat handles a maximum power (often up to about 4,000 W depending on the model): a large room with several baseboards may need a thermostat able to drive them, or a suitable setup. Another key detail: some Wi-Fi models require a neutral wire in the box — not always present in older installations. We check all this before choosing the right device.
What makes the difference
Scheduling & geofencing
Automatic setback at night and when away, warming up when you return (detected by your phone).
Peak management
With programs like Hilo from Hydro-Québec, the thermostat reduces on its own during winter peaks — and can earn rewards.
Tracking & alerts
Consumption per room, a freeze alert if heating fails, full remote control.
Often eligible for rebates
Smart thermostats are among the efficiency measures encouraged (notably through Hydro-Québec programs). It’s a small investment that pays off quickly — especially combined with a heat pump.
The right thermostat, properly wired
CMEQ-certified company holding an RBQ licence. We verify compatibility, handle the neutral if needed and install your smart thermostats by the book. Serving Greater Montréal, Laval and the North Shore.
Ready to heat smart?
We pick the right model and install it correctly. Free quote.
Your questions about smart thermostats
Does a smart thermostat really save money?+
Yes. By automatically lowering heating at night and when away, it cuts the biggest item on your bill, effortlessly.
Do Nest or Ecobee work with electric baseboards?+
No. These models are made for 24 V (furnace, heat pump). For 240 V baseboards or convectors, you need high-voltage thermostats (Sinopé, Stelpro, Convectair, Ouellet…).
Can I install it myself?+
A baseboard thermostat connects to 240 V: an electrician is safer, especially if the model needs a neutral wire absent from older installations.
Are they compatible with the Flex D rate?+
Yes, several manage winter peaks automatically — ideal for saving with dynamic pricing.
Are there rebates?+
Smart thermostats are often among the efficiency measures encouraged by Hydro-Québec, especially in a broader heating project. Check the current program.
How many baseboards can one thermostat control?+
It depends on power: each thermostat has a limit (often up to about 4,000 W). A large room with several baseboards may need a more powerful model or a suitable setup.
Does a smart thermostat need Wi-Fi?+
For remote features and automation, yes. Some also work locally. Note: many Wi-Fi models need a neutral wire, not always present in older boxes.
What is Hydro-Québec’s Hilo program?+
A smart-home service from Hydro-Québec that automatically manages your heating during winter peaks, with rewards for participating.
