Having an energy-efficient home can be great for many reasons.

For one, you’re doing your part to help reduce emissions & energy consumption. It may feel like small changes, but everything helps protect our planet for future generations.

Secondly, you’ll likely save money in the long run on monthly energy bills and who doesn’t want to save a little more money these days?

There are a few things you can easily do to your home to make it more energy-efficient, including:

Upgrade Appliances to EnergyStar Rated Models

Appliances with these ratings meet strict energy efficiency standards laid out by the Environmental Protection Agency. These appliances are great ways to reduce your household energy consumption while also saving on your monthly electricity bill.

Appliances that can be energy-start rated include:

• • Air Conditioners
  • Refrigerators
  • Washers & Dryers
  • Light Bulbs
  • Water Heaters

You can go to energystar.gov/productfinder to see what specific brands are EnergyStar rated. You can also look for their symbol on products while shopping to verify their energy efficiency. 

Upgrade SmartHome Thermostats & Technology

Not only is having a smart home kind of fun, but it can help to reduce your energy consumption drastically.

With this technology, your home’s heating and cooling system will only be on when necessary. Your smart thermostat will understand your schedule and automatically set temperatures based on whether you’re home or not. 

You can also look into smart technology for things like lighting in your home. You can control everything from your phone. No more forgetting a light on or leaving the air conditioner running; everything is off with a tap on your phone.

Check Your Home’s Insulation, Windows & Doors!

Did you know that your home’s insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15-20 years? The same goes for your windows & exterior doors!

If you have a home that’s 15 years old or more and you or previous owners have never replaced your insulation or windows/doors, that could be the reason your home is consuming more energy than necessary. 

Heating & cooling your home can become quite expensive when your insulation & window/door seals aren’t working correctly and are letting heat/coolness escape or enter your home. 

Replacing insulation, windows & doors is a more significant undertaking and investment, but it’s worth it in the end. (These are also great selling features for a property.)

You should also be aware of Canada’s Greener Homes Grant! With this grant, you could be eligible for up to $600 toward a home evaluation & up to $5000 to help you make energy-efficient retrofits to your home, including some of the items mentioned above!

Having a home evaluation for energy efficiency is a great way to see exactly what your home needs to improve efficiency. We can share generic information and tips but having a professional evaluate your home is always the best way to get the most accurate advice.

Find out more about the Greener Homes Grant here.