Energy Efficient Upgrades for Your Home

Information from the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB)

By Lisa Salt, Certified Greenagent (TM)

Many energy efficient upgrades to your home are easy and inexpensive.  A few that can help save you money in the long term as well as conserve energy are below.

1.  Programmable Thermostats:  If used properly, programmable thermostats can be responsible for saving 5-15% of a home's heating costs!

2.  Ceiling Fans:  Used in the summer, fans can decrease the need for air conditioning by 50%!  With ceiling fans, one direction draws warmer air up replacing the warmer air with cooler air, and the other direction disperses warm air evenly throughout the room.  Your job is to figure out which is which!

3.  Fireplace:  An energy efficient gas fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home.

4.  Storm Windows:  With storms, heat is retained inside and drafts are minimized.  Plastic window film, although not as attractive, can also be used effectively.

5.  Window Coverings:  Coverings provide a way to minimize drafts around the window frames in the winter and also provide shade in those warm summer days.

6.  Other Ways to Conserve:  Maintenance of existing systems is important to ensure that the system itself remains efficient.  It is recommended to service your heating and cooling systems once a year. 

7.  Energy Audit:  Hire the professionals!  An energy auditor can test your home for potential leaks and recommend ways to make your home more energy efficient.  For information on BC energy audits and available provincial rebates, click here.

For more information on upgrades that can make your home more energy efficient and increase the saleability of your home, contact us with the form below.