Saving Energy

A lot of my clients ask me about building more engery-efficiently. If you are going to build your home, are you building better? According to the most recent government surveys, Canadians are making better choices. These items include programmable thermostats, switching from standard lights to energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) or LED's, low-E windows, doors, HVAC equipement, roofing, higher value insulation, etc. 

But do you know how much you would save?

Windows

A typical window will last up to twenty years or more. Therefore, the windows you select can help define energy efficiency and comfort levels in your home for years to come. High-performance windows offer significant improvements in solar control, thermal comfort and energy efficiency. They do this by incorporating low-E coatings, inert gas fills, and better edge spacers and frames.

Heating

Heating accounts for 60% or more of an average household’s energy consumption, so make it count!

Water Heating - Tankless water heaters cost more but deliver up to 30% more savings than std. natural gas units.

Heating/Cooling (HVAC) - Install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature 10 - 15 degrees while you are asleep or away, and you'll save as much as 10% per year than a regular unit. *Replace and/or clean air filters regularly could lower your bill by 5% or more.

Wood - If you are planning to heat with wood, make sure you purchase a clean burning stove, such as a pellet stove or an EPA-approved wood stove. EPA-approved wood stoves use up to 1/3 less fuel and emit far less smoke than non EPA approved stoves.

Insulation

Insulation is your home’s “overcoat”. The Building Code’s requirements are only a minimum. Adding a higher R-value insulation to your ceiling, floors and walls is a smart investment - the dollars you save will quickly exceed the cost. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. There are many types out there, take your pick.

Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity consumption. By including energy-efficient lights, lighting controls, and good lighting design in your new home, costs can be reduced considerably without compromising comfort or aesthetics. An energy-efficient lighting design can include the use of:

•    fluorescent tubes

•    compact fluorescent lights

•    light emitting diode (LED) lights

•    dimmers

•    motion sensors

•    timers

•    natural daylight

With the same energy efficiency features, a smaller home will use less energy than a larger one. Buy only as much space as you need. And for those building to sell, studies say 9 out of 10 homebuyers are likely to look for an energy-efficient home.