What Does Energy Efficiency at Home Involve?
- Optimizing heating and cooling to improve thermal comfort
- Implementing small changes that collectively reduce energy consumption
- Enhancing indoor air quality and overall health
- Adapting homes to better withstand Canada’s varied climate conditions
- Achieving a balance between comfort, expense, and environmental responsibility.
Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
1. Do an Energy Audit
- Level 1 audits: Basic walkthroughs to identify quick energy-saving opportunities.
- Level 2 audits: More in-depth, often used in commercial buildings to study energy usage.
- Level 3 audits: Comprehensive analyses focused on capital-intensive improvements.
2. Caulk and Weather Strip
3. Insulate
4. Adjust the Thermostat
5. Get a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
6. Change the Filters on Your HVAC Unit
- Improving indoor air quality
- Less need to repair
- Good temperature control
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7. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
- Two, three, or even four layers of glass.
- Glass that keeps heat in (called low-emissivity or low-E glass).
- Gases like argon or krypton between the glass panes that don’t let heat pass through.
- Frames and parts that hold the glass (sashes) that are insulated.
- Spacers between the panes that don’t conduct heat well.
- A tight seal to stop air leaks.
8. Plant Some Trees
- Plant deciduous trees (Maple, Oak, and Birch ) to the south and west of your home for optimal summer shade.
- Plant evergreens (Pine, Spruce, and Fir) on the north and northwest to serve as windbreaks.
- Consider the mature size of the trees to avoid future problems with power lines or building foundations.
9. Install Awnings
10. Know How to Use Window Treatments
- Curtains
- Blinds and Shades
- Valances
11. Get Energy-Efficient Appliances
12. Keep Large Appliances Clean
- Refrigerators and Freezers: Every 3 months
- Oven and Range: Monthly and every 3-6 months for deep cleaning
- Dishwasher: Monthly and every few months for a cleaning cycle
- Washing Machine: Monthly
- Dryer: After each use (lint trap), and every 6 months (vent and hose)
13. Get a Tankless Water Heater or Energy-Efficient Furnace
14. Turn Down Your Water Thermostat
15. Install Skylights
16. Choose Lighter Paint Colours
- White
- Beige
- Light Gray
17. Change the Lights
18. Air Dry Your Clothing
19. Upgrade the HVAC System
- Furnace life over 15 years
- Air conditioner life over 10 years
- Heat pump life over 15 years
- Water heater life over 8 years
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20. Address Drafty Doors and Windows
21. Update the Electrical System
- Frequent power outages
- Increased electrical demand
- Flickering lights or buzzing sounds
- Electrical systems over 40 years old
22. Change to a Metal Roof
23. Install Rooftop Solar
24. Add External Wall Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation: This type is applied wet and expands into a thick foam, sealing gaps and providing a high level of insulation. The average cost for spray foam insulation ranges from $1.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
- Blown-In Insulation: This involves blowing insulative material into wall spaces, which is ideal for retrofitting older homes without damaging walls. The cost for blown-in insulation typically ranges from $930 to $2,085.
25. Insulate Your Flooring
- Fiberglass Batt: Around $1 per square foot. Fits between standard joists and studs.
- Foam Board: Approximately $1 per square foot. High insulation value and can be used under floors to prevent heat loss.
- Spray Foam: Costs about $2.50 per square foot. Expands to fill gaps and cracks, providing an airtight seal.
- Vapor Barrier: Ranges between $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot. Prevent moisture buildup.
26. Add Roof & Loft Insulation
27. Do Some Draught Proofing
28. Get a Heat Pump
29. Switch Shower Heads and Toilets
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30. Look for Leaky Faucets
31. Fix the Fireplace
- Chimney Sweeping: Regularly clean your chimney to ensure proper airflow and efficient burning.
- Masonry Repairs: Fix any damaged fireplace structure to prevent heat loss.
- High-Efficiency Inserts: Upgrade your fireplace with high-efficiency inserts that burn fuel more effectively.
- Fireplace Blower Installation: Blowers help circulate warm air throughout the room.
- Sealing and Insulating: Proper sealing and insulation around the fireplace prevent heat loss.
32. Switch to Low-Carbon Heating
- Heat Pumps: These systems are incredibly efficient as they transfer heat instead of generating it. They can double as cooling systems in summer.
- Solar Thermal Systems: These harness solar energy to heat your home’s water.
- Biomass Boilers: If you have access to sustainable biomass fuels, these boilers can be a greener heating option, burning organic materials like wood pellets.
33. Wash Laundry in Cold Water and Hang to Dry
34. Unplug Rarely Used Devices
- Central Heating Furnace
- Gaming Console
- Computer
- Washing Machine
- Microwave
- Television
- Printer
- Kettle
- Mobile Chargers
35. Tend to Your Furnace
36. Use Ceiling Fans
37. Run Large Appliances in the Evening
38. Install a Clothesline
39. Automate Usage
- Smart thermostats
- Smart plugs
- Smart lighting systems
- Home energy monitors
- Smart irrigation controllers
- Water leakage sensors
Final Thoughts
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