When the Liberal party came to power they promised to put in place policies that help lower energy bills. This is by providing the necessary legislation to help many Canadian homeowners redesign their homes to be more energy-efficient.
Climate change has been a major concern for many Canadians as it means living in an unhealthy environment. With the cost of living rising, many homeowners are looking for creative ways to lower their utility bills. Part of the Liberal party promises in regards to energy-efficient homes was to retrofit 1.5 million homes while providing interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to landlords and homeowners committed to retrofits.
Simple ways to make your house energy efficient
Before you can even start making modifications to your house, you may want to get a retrofit audit. This helps you know the current energy consumptions of your house, where you are spending the most and which kind of improvements to carry out.
Minor retrofits
These are minor because they do not cost much and you can easily do them without the need of professionals.
- Switching to LED lights can reduce your energy use by up to 75%
- Purchasing Energy-star certified equipment. Some of this equipment will include microwaves, refrigerators, computers, dishwashers among others.
- Adding insulation
- Sealing with caulking or spray foam
Major Retrofits
Before you do major repairs to make your house more efficient think of your house as composing of various systems with one part affecting the other. If you identify air leaks it will mean you take a closer look at your ventilation. Some of these retrofits include:
- Revaluating/updating heating and cooling systems
- Replacing window glazing and doors
- Renovating the interior walls and design
- Replacing windows for enhanced daylight
- Replacing air-conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems
- Replacing the roof
Some of the retrofits that need to be carried out may mean dislocating the occupants. Changing your roof to take care of leaks may take time and consume resources but the benefits run for a lifetime. Most roofers in Calgary have extensive knowledge of ensuring that the renovations are minimally disruptive. They have handled many residential and commercial roofing repairs across Calgary. As you do your retrofits this could be the best time to change your roofing to something that more complements your tastes like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, solar tiles, slate or rubber slate. Besides, keeping your home warm during harsh weathers a good roof will add to the overall appraisal value of the house.
You can also cut your energy consumption bills by being self-aware of power drainers. This may include removing devices from the sockets when not in use. Understand that phones, computers, timers, and clocks drain your power 24/7 if they are still plugged in and not in use. For new homes, you can choose to supplement your national grid power consumption with solar panels. This will come in handy for heating water and powering some of your devices.
As you retrofit your home you make it more energy-efficient, save on utility bills, reduce maintenance costs and ensure that you are making your contributions to climate change conservation. You also benefit from higher appraisal values should you decide to sell the house.
