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Tag: green energy

How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Simple Upgrades

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Upgrading your home’s energy efficiency has many benefits. Not only will you save money on your utility bills, but you will also be more sustainable as your climate footprint will have less of an impact on the environment.

Depending on the type of upgrade, there are also other benefits, such as improved indoor climate and comfort and increased overall value of your home. So today, we will discuss some of the most popular upgrades. Enjoy!

Insulation

Living in Canada, insulation is a key component in any home across the country. And this technology is always evolving, with new techniques and better materials becoming available on the market.

Many homes stand to benefit from insulating their water and heating pipes. This relatively small investment can be done in just a few days or less, depending on the size of your home.

Insulating any areas that connect to the outside is also helpful. This will lower energy consumption and reduce the amount of moisture in the air, resulting in a better indoor climate. Older homes tend to have relatively thin layers of insulation, so in many cases, adding more can significantly improve it.

Green Energy

Installing solar panels on the roof can lead to an energy-neutral home or at least significantly lower your monthly electricity bills. You can choose to use the electricity for your appliances or convert some of it into heating that can help keep you warm and cozy.

The prices of solar panels have been on a steady decline due to the popularity and adoption of the units, leading to better returns than was possible just 5 or 10 years ago. While it typically requires skilled professionals and is one of the more complex items on our list, the investment can often pay for itself in 10-15 years.

Electrical Appliances and Lighting

If you are still using traditional lightbulbs, you might want to consider switching to LED bulbs. They are not much more expensive to buy and will typically only consume 5 to 10% of the electricity normal light bulbs do.

Upgrading your electrical appliances to ones with better energy ratings can also lead to improved efficiency. A modern oven will typically use around 60% of the power your older one does, resulting in a quite significant improvement.

These days, you can also choose smart outlets or plugs that conserve power when not in use. Over the course of a year, the standby functions of an average flatscreen TV will actually consume a fair share of electricity, but with smart outlets, you can easily avoid this unnecessary cost.

Water Consumption

Upgrading your kitchen faucet or showerhead in your bathroom can also significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. Depending on the models, you can get a faucet that reduces your water use by up to 50% while keeping the same flow that you are used to.

This can be particularly useful for larger families, but anyone should see a significant reduction and help conserve our natural resources in an environmentally conscious way at the same time.

If you are looking for more inspiration or help installing your energy upgrades, contact us at The HandyForce today. Our expert advisors can help you choose the best options for your specific needs, and our professional handymen can install your upgrades for the best results.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Home Renovations

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Beyond its positive impact on the planet, completing home renovations with eco-friendly practices and materials provides a range of benefits, especially for Canadian homeowners that use a large portion of the monthly expenses for heating and energy.

From improved indoor air quality to reduced energy bills in the face of varying climates, these choices resonate strongly with the challenges and opportunities that Canadian homeowners encounter. So discover how these eco-friendly renovations can enhance the comfort and functionality of your home, and even also contribute to a brighter and greener future. Enjoy!

Energy Efficiency and Lower Utility Bills

Among the top reasons for choosing eco-friendly renovations, lies the fact that you get a great opportunity for significantly reducing your household’s energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills. By upgrading the insulation in your walls, attic, and basement, you create a thermal barrier that helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

When combined with properly sealed windows, doors, and air ducts, this “thermal envelope” ensures that your home remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer without relying heavily on heating or cooling systems. Installing energy-efficient windows with advanced glazing can further contribute to energy savings by preventing heat transfer.

These improvements not only reduce your carbon footprint but also make a noticeable impact on the air quality itself, resulting in cleaner air, a healthier lifestyle and a more comfortable living environment.

Increased Property Value and Market Appeal

In the Canadian real estate market, there is a growing demand for environmentally conscious homes due to the many benefits they bring. That means potential buyers are valuing energy-efficient features and sustainable practices higher than ever before. By investing in eco-friendly renovations, you not only improve your home’s marketability but can also potentially increase its resale value.

This is because buyers often are willing to pay a premium for homes that come with reduced operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint. Features like solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and energy-efficient appliances can set your home apart from the competition, attracting environmentally conscious buyers who see the long-term benefits of sustainable living.

Long-Term Savings and ROI

Many people are under the impression that these renovation projects are an expense, and that they are not financially sound. And while eco-friendly renovations may require an initial investment, the long-term savings they provide are in many cases quite substantial.

By focusing on energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and high-efficiency appliances, as well as enhanced insulation and building envelope improvements,  your renovation project can lead to a noticeable reduction in utility bills over time. It can also help with lower maintenance costs and increased durability for your home overall.

It is also important to remember that these savings accumulate over the years, often outweighing the upfront expenses of the renovation within 3-5-10 years, depending on the improvements. Beyond the financial benefits, these upgrades contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and a more comfortable home environment.

Government Incentives and Savings

Staying on the topic of costs and money, the Canadian government offers various incentives and rebates to encourage homeowners to pursue eco-friendly renovations. These incentives can significantly offset the upfront costs associated with sustainable upgrades in some cases.

From grants for energy-efficient appliance purchases to rebates for home energy assessments and renewable energy installations, these programs are designed to make environmentally friendly choices more accessible to homeowners.

By taking advantage of these incentives, you not only save money on renovation expenses but also contribute to reducing your overall environmental impact. Contact us at The HandyForce today, and learn more about your options!