7 Tips for Energy Efficient Renovations*

Did you know that older homes can be upgraded to improve their energy performance? While modern construction standards incorporate greater energy efficiency, most older homes have a lot of room for improvement. Take the opportunity while renovating to save energy and money by making modest investments.

Melanson Homes & Renovations | Calgary | 2019 Finalist, Basement Renovation, CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

1. Install a programmable thermostat

You can save up to two per cent on your heating bill for every degree you roll back the temperature. Some new thermostats have the added convenience of being able to control their settings right from your phone. This means that even if your normal routine is interrupted, you can still save.

Vancouver General Contractors | Vancouver | 2019 Finalist, Whole House Renovation ($150,000-$300,000), CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

2. Go Low-Flow

Install water-saving toilets and faucet aerators. Check and repair leaky faucets and outside hose bibs. Replacing a dated-looking toilet and fixtures not only looks great but is environmentally responsible.

Dependable Renovations | Calgary | 2019 Finalist, Outdoor Living Renovation, CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

3. Upgrade Windows and Doors

These can be a significant source of energy loss in your home – up to 35 per cent. Replacing all your windows with ENERGY STAR certified models can save you an average of 8 per cent on your energy bill. When you eliminate air leakage in your home, you keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There’s also the added benefit of a quieter home, with less noise coming in from outside!

Make it Home | Winnipeg | 2019 Finalist, Whole House Renovation (Under $150,000), CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

4. Update Your Exhaust Fans

Choose ENERGY STAR certified models for your kitchen and bathroom vent them outdoors. Add timers to reduce power consumption. Running your HVAC system is very important to the overall health of your home. Talk to your renovator to make sure you know how to operate it properly.

RodRozen Designs | Vancouver | 2019 Finalist, Bathroom Renovation, CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

5. Insulate Your Pipes

Cover the first two metres of hot and cold water pipes with foam sleeves or insulating wrap to save on water heating costs. This change may also result in less water usage, since you won’t need to wait as long for water coming out of your faucet to warm up or cool down before you take a bath, for instance.

Pioneer Craftsmen | Kitchener | 2019 Finalist, Whole House Renovation ($300,001-$500,000), CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

6. Change Your Light Bulbs

Buy long-lasting ENERGY STAR certified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). New light bulbs come in various colour temperatures – gone are the days when fluorescent lights were just for office buildings! Whether you want a bright kitchen or a softly-lit bedroom, changing your light bulbs is an easy energy efficient choice.

Alloy Homes | Calgary | 2019 Finalist, Whole House Renovation ($500,001 to $1 million), CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

7. Research Your Contractor

Energy use affects the environment by contributing to the release of harmful emissions (greenhouse gases) into our communities. Research your contractor. An environmentally conscience contractor supports energy efficiency and can help you make decisions about what changes will have the most impact for your home.

Does this sound like a lot of work? Hire a professional contractor to do the job for you. Click here to find a renovator in your area, anywhere in Canada! Also, consider getting your home evaluated by an energy advisor. The resulting report will help you make informed decisions about your renovation.