An energy-efficient home is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for the budget. And the good news is that an energy-efficient home is easily attainable for most homeowners. Renovating your house can be a great way to save money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Canadian households can benefit from huge savings on energy costs and drastically reduce their heating/cooling bills by investing in energy-efficient features.

What Features Make a Home Energy Efficient?

Investing in energy-efficient home features is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Upgrading certain elements of your home will help the environment, lower electricity bills, and provide better temperature control.

Energy Kingston Exteriors is an Energy Star Certified exterior renovation company that retrofits homes using energy-efficient products which use much less energy than code standards, helping reduce emissions and decreasing energy costs.

Owning an energy-efficient home can prove to be very advantageous, as it provides various benefits such as:

• Withstanding Ontario weather extremes
• Improved air quality in your home with better ventilation, resulting in improved airflow and reduced pollutants and allergens.
• Enhancing insulation standards for windows, doors, and more can help improve the overall energy efficiency of a building.

This is just the beginning; the following are excellent ways to make your home energy efficient.

Insulation

Most homes need to be built to local building codes and standards. But an energy-efficient home goes above and beyond these standards, providing much more insulation than a building with only the required R-value.

An R-value is a value given to a material’s ability to resist heat transfer. The lower the value, the faster your finished product will lose heat. You should not worry about warm or cool spots if your home is insulated correctly and adequately. In the walls and the ceiling, you should have insulation levels that range from a minimum of R-40 to a maximum of R-70.

If you have an unfinished basement, this may cause your heating and cooling costs to increase, which lowers the overall level of comfort. A foundation that provides better insulation can make all the difference in the world.

Windows

Installing energy-efficient windows, such as ENERGY STAR certified windows, can save you money on your energy bills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More efficient windows are an environmental investment worth their weight in gold. They ensure your home is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter while not wasting energy.

Efficient windows are now a staple in most residences. They help protect your furniture from UV damage while letting in natural light and providing maximum comfort when using them.

Air/Vapour Barriers

Vapour barriers are essential for keeping moisture out of your home and providing value through energy savings. A vapour barrier is an exterior material that offers some protection against water intrusion while still allowing the passage of other agents like air. They prevent condensation and promote a more comfortable environment for occupants.

Weather is a possible threat to the structure of your house, no matter if you live in a cold climate or not. Exterior walls and attics can be vulnerable to moist air and drips from air condensing inside.

A well-installed air-tight construction process will keep vapour barriers from leaking and keep homes dry. Vapour barriers will also work to prevent condensation.

Controlled Ventilation

Tightly-sealed, energy-efficient homes need to be ventilated in a controlled manner. Proper ventilation can reduce health risks associated with air pollution and humidity, promoting a more comfortable atmosphere. It also decreases the chances of structural damage.

Controlled ventilation is vital to an energy-efficient home. Use a vent hood extractor fan to remove pollutants from your home.

New advanced ventilation technology can recycle 65% of carbon dioxide from stale exhaust air, which makes it easier to live in an environmentally conscious manner while reducing energy bills.

Heating & Cooling

High-efficiency furnaces can reduce energy bills drastically as you consume less natural gas. Natural gas prices won’t go down anytime soon, so it pays to invest in a more efficient gas furnace. You’ll save money on your energy bill over time, maximizing your initial investment.

The design process starts with measuring HVAC systems. Then by considering hidden variables, it’s possible to estimate the time it will take to install them. A contractor will customize your energy-efficient HVAC system to work best in your home and even consider thermal envelopes during this process.

Energy-efficient homes have lower operating costs compared to traditional ones. More specifically, they can use half the energy needed in cold climates and require less heating time than conventional homes.

Hot Water System

A high-efficiency water heater can provide substantial cost savings by using up to 70% less energy than a standard water heater. This is an ideal choice for those looking to minimize their energy expenses. Water heaters that are highly efficient, cost-effective, and easy to install can help you save money on your energy bills and achieve better insulation.

ENERGY STAR Appliances

When buying appliances, consider the hidden costs of energy and water use. Remember the long-term impact of your purchase decision. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances offer tremendous value by providing long-term energy savings and advanced features. The EnergyGuide label helps consumers save on energy costs by comparing appliance efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Energy-efficient bulbs have a significantly longer lifespan than conventional lights, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Energy-efficient bulbs may cost more initially but are worth the initial expense. LED bulbs are becoming popular for many reasons, but one reason is that they can last much longer than regular ones. Because they can last up to 25 times longer, you don’t need to worry about replacing them as frequently, saving money and hassle down the road.

Weatherstripping & Caulking

Energy costs can skyrocket due to improperly sealed air leaks. Therefore, it is vital to check for and fill any air leaks. Weatherstrip or caulk any gaps around the house if you want your energy costs to drop. Your windows and doors are essential parts of your house and can help provide added insulation while drastically reducing draft. Install caulking and weatherstripping around these entrances to save some energy while still having a cozy home.

Key Takeaways

Your home can be more comfortable and save energy with a whole-house approach. It will ensure your various systems work together to conserve power, which will help you save money and be more comfortable in your home. At Energy Kingston Exteriors, we utilize Energy Star products to reduce your energy consumption. We have solutions for your home energy, from energy-efficient window replacement services to upgrading your exterior insulation.

Contact us today to learn more.