Energy Efficiency Opportunities

Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of energy efficiency, home comfort and a healthy environment. An energy-efficient home not only reduces your energy costs, it is also a better place to live. It is easier to heat or cool, and to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the house. Indoor air quality is improved as moisture, dust and other airborne pollutants can be controlled more easily. And at the same time, an energy-efficient home is better for the environment, because less energy means fewer greenhouses gasses contributing to climate change and polluting our natural environment.

Most renovations usually present opportunities to include energy efficient improvements which will cost you less as you can incorporate them into your already planned renovation.

• If your renovation involves removing plaster or drywall from an exterior wall, renovators will commonly recommend air-sealing the walls and adding insulation. Windows and doors that have deteriorated or that leak can be repaired or replaced at the same time.
• When selecting new windows, choose high-performance units with insulative spacers, inert gas fills and low-emissivity coatings. The most energy-efficient windows actually gain more solar heat during the day than they lose at night. The Energy Rating (ER) System, a certification and labeling program by the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association, helps homeowners to compare the energy performance of windows.
• Building an addition to your home may require changing your heating system to accommodate the extra space; if so, consider a high-efficiency furnace. A programmable thermostat will help to reduce your energy consumption even further.
• Throughout the house, replace either the bulbs or fixtures of incandescent lights with less energy-intensive lighting.
• When you buy new appliances, check the label. All appliances sold in Canada carry the EnerGuide label which makes it easy to compare the energy use of appliances. The top performing dishwashers, refrigerators and washing machines also carry the ENERGY STAR® mark, to help you identify the most energy-efficient models.

Homeowners can also get an independent home energy assessment from a government-licensed home energy advisor. This service provides you with a detailed evaluation of all the energy-related aspects of your home: insulation levels, windows, heating and cooling systems and air leakage. Your written assessment report will detail the most cost-effective energy upgrades, and your estimated energy cost savings. This can be a valuable tool for you and your renovator when planning your renovation project.