....You Can make a Difference!
From House Smart Home Improvements.
Today, 17 percent of all energy used in Canada goes toward running our homes. Every time we use energy from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, we produce greenhouse gas emissions. By using less energy in our homes, we help reduce the production of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and harm our environment.Now days, homes that are more than 25 years old have the potential to save an average of 35 percent of their energy use. Homes that are more than 50 years old could achieve even greater savings – an average of 38 percent.
Since 1998, more than 270,000 property owners have used NRCan’s energy efficiency program to help identify and solve home comfort problems and plan their energy efficiency retrofits. NRCan data show that if these property owners undertook all the retrofits recommended, they would reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by almost 4.6 tonnes per year, per house.
Being environmentally conscious has become a daily part of modern life. From eating organic to recycling, there are a myriad of ways you can reduce your carbon footprint -- or the negative impact your daily activities have on the environment.
One of the biggest ways to shrink your carbon shoe size -- and save money -- is to reduce the amount of energy you use at home. This doesn't mean installing solar panels or opting for a wood-burning stove. Nobody expects you to live like a pioneer.
REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS WITH DURABLE, ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY VINYL WINDOWS
Replacing your old windows with new vinyl windows and doors from House Smart Home Improvements can help lower heating and cooling bills in the home. Vinyl products also tend to have a longer life cycle than other frames (such as wood or aluminum). The resistance of vinyl to rot, decay and insect infestations means the product will last longer in a home, requiring less frequent replacement. All these factors combined illustrate why vinyl windows are considered friendly products for the environment.
Vinyl windows are not only extremely durable and highly energy–efficient, they're also an excellent “green” home-improvement solution. The vinyl used in making vinyl windows has an extremely smooth finish to keep the windows from discoloring over time. Vinyl windows will never become brittle and require practically no maintenance.
Today, more windows are made of vinyl than any other material, including wood and aluminum. That's because it's the best material for designing and producing windows that provide the benefits homeowners like you want—such as energy efficiency, security, durability and low maintenance.
Vinyl is also a good choice for helping to protect our environment because it doesn't emit toxins and is a highly recyclable material. Much less energy is used to manufacture vinyl windows than aluminum products, and no trees need to be cut down to make them. Vinyl windows help reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, which increases Canada's energy security.
Aside from vinyl window installation from House Smart Home Improvements, there are several easy, cost-effective adjustments you can make as a resident that will have a surprisingly big impact on the environment.
~Following Tips by: Megan Mostyn-Brown
1. Switch Your Lightbulbs.
Everyone knows that shutting off the lights is a big energy saver. But what's a homeowner to do when the lights are on? Trading standard lightbulbs for energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs or LED lights not only saves you money on your electricity bill, but also helps to reduce the amount of CO2 being emitted into the atmosphere.
Source: Home Depot
2. Insulate.
Heat loss is a huge contributor to the size of your home's carbon footprint. Insulate the attic and basement to keep from heating the great outdoors. Seal up any holes or cracks in your walls and make sure your windows close tightly.
Source: Home Depot
3. Unplug.
Your home is filled with vampires. Not the sparkly, blood-sucking kind
you see in movies, but the kind that secretly siphons energy. This
includes appliances, laptops and phone and computer chargers. Even when
not in use, these items draw out energy. Unplug them and the problem is
solved.
Source: Home Depot
4. Switch to Vacation Mode.
If you're heading out on vacation, give your home a break as well. Close all of the windows, unplug everything and switch big energy producing items like your water heater to "vacation" mode. This mode makes the water heater pump out warm water instead of the piping hot kind.5. Change Filters.
Old filters make items like air conditioners and furnaces work twice as hard. Switch the filters regularly and you'll get better quality air at half the price.
Photo Source: Home Depot
Implementing these changes to your home routine may take a little getting used to. However, your lower energy bill and a healthier environment make it all worth it.
Is it time to have your Home Energy Audit?
Canadians who participate in the federal government's ecoENERGY Retrofit Program are eligible for up to $5,000 to help make their homes more energy efficient. After an evaluation, your home will receive an energy efficiency rating and areas of improvement will be identified. It's a great way to pinpoint exactly how much energy your home consumes and get a financial leg up on making improvements.
1 comment:
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