Easily Make Natural Household Cleaners!

You Can Make Your Own Safe Cleaning Products

Have you ever wondered if  "green" household cleaners on the market today are really necessary? They are definitely more expensive.
But since most of our 'non-green' store-bought household cleaners are toxic, they are hard on our health; containing harmful chemicals studies show are known to cause everything from cancer to birth defects.
Disinfectants are also a threat; they are dangerous to inhale and have been proven to create super-bugs: stronger bacteria resistant to disinfectants. They can also weaken your immune system by creating a too-sterile environment, which inhibits your body from building immunity to common germs.

Most of your natural cleaning products can actually be made from natural ingredients you probably already stock in your cupboard.

(The following from www.sustainablebabysteps.com)

 

1) White vinegar inhibits the growth of bacteria by creating an unfriendly, acidic environment. It's preferred over apple cider vinegar since it won't stain, is completely non-toxic and it's easy to use. (Lemon oil or juice is a common alternative to white vinegar.)    
2) Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive/scouring agent, deodorizer and cleanser and is gentle enough to use on nearly every surface.     
3) Olive or jojoba oil will polish furniture and oil wood without      harmful additives. They are also less likely to go rancid.  
4) Hydrogen peroxide will help remove stains naturally and easily.  Always be sure to check for color-fastness before use.

5) Soap nuts are a berry-like fruit harvested from a tree. They contain saponins, which clean anything from clothing to dishes, even hair! Where soap nuts are not available, try grated handmade soaps (often found at a farmer's market or online) or natural, biodegradable dish soap, if necessary. 
6) Essential oils are a nice, complementary addition to any natural household cleaner but not necessary.

Using the ingredients listed above you can make all of the following natural household cleaners:

All-Purpose Natural Household Cleaners
In a spray bottle, mix 9 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. You can a few drops of dish soap, as well. Add essential oils if you'd like to minimize the strong smell of the vinegar. Tea tree oil or lavender can be used as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, or anti-fungal if necessary.

Natural Scouring Alternative
Simply sprinkle baking soda over the area to be cleaned or onto a rag and begin scrubbing.

Natural Furniture Polish
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of oil. You can use this in a spray bottle or a small amount on a cotton rag.

Natural Oil or Wax for Wood
For wood surfaces that require regular oiling/waxing, switch the ratios to 1/4 cup oil and 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Allow it to soak in for at least 12 hours before wiping off any excess with a dry cloth.


Natural Soap from Soap Nuts

Soap nuts can be added whole to your washing machine or boiled to create a liquid soap nut concentrate: Add two soap nuts per cup of water and boil for approximately 30 minutes, mashing them periodically. Strain, add essential oils and store in a sealed container.

 

 

 

How to Clean Your Home Naturally

Below is an alphabetical list of how to clean anything in your home without using harsh chemicals or commercial products.
Carpet Cleaning
Use several tablespoons of liquid soap nuts per gallon of water. You can add in several tablespoons of baking soda and a half cup of white vinegar for deodorizing or additional cleansing. Spot treating with soap nuts, baking soda and/or vinegar may be necessary for tough spots. Counters*
Spray the surface with the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe above, and wipe clean.
Dishwashers
Use liquid or whole soap nuts in your dishwasher by filling the soap dispensers. Add white vinegar to the rinse-aid compartment. Every month or two, run a gallon of white vinegar through an empty dishwasher cycle. (For really bad build-up, dishwasher cleaners of 100% citric acid can be used on occasion.) Baking soda can be added to help soften water, deodorize plastics or assist in cleaning, but only in small amounts (1/8 to 1/4 cup per load) to prevent residue.
Dishwashing by Hand
A teaspoon of liquid soap nuts will suffice for a sink full of dirty dishes. A bit of white vinegar can be added to soften the water.
Drains
Use a "snake" (a long cable that goes down the drain to remove debris or buildup) to empty slow drains of buildup or debris. Pour baking soda followed by 100% undiluted white vinegar down the drain. This may be necessary several times as it works through the drain.
Dusting Electronics and Non-Wood Surfaces
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe above and spray the rag (never spray electronics directly).
Dusting and Oiling Wood
Apply the natural wood oil recipe above liberally to dry wood. Allow it to soak in for several hours before wiping off any excess. Repeat monthly or as needed.
Flooring - Hard Surfaces
For hardwood, tile, linoleum, or concrete flooring add one cup of vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons liquid soap nuts for every 2 gallons of warm water.
Garbage Disposals
Avoid using them whenever possible by scraping food into a compost bin or trash. For deodorizing, sprinkle with baking soda regularly and send lemon slices down the shredder.
Glass and Mirrors
Use 50% vinegar and 50% water to lightly spray the surface, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Laundry
Place between 2-7 soap nuts in your washing machine (exact number depends on water hardness, temperature of water and the size of the load - experiment for best results). Or use 1-4 to 1-2 cup of liquid soap nuts for one full load of laundry. Use one cup of white vinegar as a fabric softener in the rinse cycle.
Microwave
Fill a bowl with water and place it in the microwave for 5 minutes on high. The steam from the water will loosen any food particles. Spray with the all-purpose cleaner and wipe down. For deodorizing, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda in a bottle of water, shake well until dissolved, and spray the entire surface allowing it to sit for several minutes before wiping clean.
Pet Kennels, Cages and Beds
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaners recipe for hard surfaces and launder as described above. All these ingredients are safe to use around animals.
Pet Stains, Odors, and Areas
For a dog run use 100% white vinegar, usually a gallon or more depending on the size of the area to be washed, scrub with a push broom or similar and hose the area off. (Vinegar will kill plants and weeds so use it wisely outdoors.) For pet stains, wash the surface as you normally would but double the vinegar to remove any odor and discourage them from using the area again.
Shower and Tub
Use the natural household cleaner recipe above after showers or baths to spray a light mist over the walls and tub and prevent soap scum buildup. Use more of the same solution to clean. If scouring is needed, sprinkle with baking soda.
Sinks
For general cleaning, use the all-purpose recipe above. For stubborn stains or grime, sprinkle on baking soda and scrub with an old toothbrush. Or spray the vinegar solution over the baking soda to create a fizzing reaction.
Stains on Fabric
Soak the stained area in water (temperature depends on fabric type) with 1 teaspoon of liquid soap nuts. Depending on the fabric, you can also try to gently scrub the area with a baking soda paste.
Stove and Oven
Sprinkle baking soda over charred food and scrub with a wet rag. For stubborn areas, spray the all-purpose natural household cleaner over the baking soda and allow it to sit for several minutes before resuming scouring.
Toilets
The seat and outside of the toilet can be cleaned with the all-purpose spray recipe. Pour a half cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl, allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes, then spray with the all-purpose vinegar solution above and scrub with a toilet brush. For really dirty toilets, use up to 100% white vinegar.
Toys and Play Areas
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaners for all toys, desks, tables, etc. None of the ingredients will harm children and the strong odor from the vinegar dissipates quickly.
Walls, Doors, etc
Use the all-purpose natural household cleaner recipe from above for light cleaning. To prep wall for painting, fill a medium-sized bowl of warm or hot water with 1/4 of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and scrub with a soft cloth.
If you ever encounter something that you feel needs a harsh chemical cleaner, it is important to consider the true necessity. If the item and its cleaning agent are truly necessary and you cannot find a natural commercial product for it, be sure to use the harsher product safely: eye goggles, a respiratory mask, and gloves should all be considered.
Also, be sure to use it according to its directions, protect against cross-contamination and dispose of it safely. And always keep it out of reach of children or pets.

Greener Home Quiz

Take our short Greener Home Quiz!

1) What's the best way to cut down on air leaks in your home?

A) Add more insulation
B) Caulking and sealing

If you said B, you are right! Air leaks can increase your heating and cooling bill by 10 percent.
Caulking and sealing them can cut down on your carbon footprint by 865 pounds or 392 kilograms per year.

2) What's the optimal temperature for your water heater?

A) 49 degrees C
B) 60 degrees C
C) 71 degrees C
D) 82 degrees C

If you said 49 degrees C, you are right! Lowering your water temperature prevents scalds and reduces carbon emissions by almost 480 pounds or 218 kilograms.

3) How often should you check your air conditioner and furnace filters?

A) Monthly  B) When it gets warm or cold enough to turn them on  C) Annually  D) Every other year

If you said A, you are correct! Checking air conditioners monthly to be sure they are clean improves the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning systems and can save anywhere from 5 to 15 percent of your heating and cooling bill.

True or False:
Raising or lowering your thermostat a degree or two doesn't have that much impact on your heating bill?

If you said false, you are right again! Make it easy to save energy this way by installing a programmable thermostat from House Smart Home Improvements.

What in your home uses the most water?

A) Washing machine  B) Dishwasher  C) Sink  D) Toilet

Believe it or not, the toilet is the biggest water user here. Flushing generally accounts for more than one third of  home water use. However, new and improved high efficiency toilets can cut down a toilet's water use by 60 percent over older models. If you have an older model, there are ways to dramatically cut down on their water use.

This information was taken partly from National Geographic's Green Guide.

For more environmental tests, visit www.nationalgeographic.com

Leave your comments here! Visit House Smart Home Improvements Today.

How Can I Go Green Around My Home?

Here are 15 Easy Ways to Go Green Around Your Home!

 A common problem that people face when deciding whether or not to go green is the feeling of discouragement. We often hear about Al Gore and Ed Begley and all of the eco friendly changes they have made, and it can be pretty overwhelming because we don't all have the kind of money that they do. The good news is that you don't have to install solar panels in your entire home in order togo green. Even a few changes will make a tremendous difference.

Here is a list of 10 easy ways you can make a difference for future generations!

1. Make sure your computer and other office machines like printers are set to sleep mode after a short period of non-use time. (For these options on PC just right-click on the desk-top; on Mac click the little apple icon at top left for options).

2. Buy a Laptop. Laptops use 50 percent of the energy used by a desktop computer when plugged in. When running on batteries they use almost nothing!

3. If you have an older-style toilet with a large tank, fill a one-quart plastic bottle with water and submerge in each toilet tank. You will save thousands of gallons of water a year.

4. Make sure to fix any dripping, leaking taps in your bathroom or any other area in your house to avoid water waste.

5. Take short showers. Showers can consume up to one-fifth of in-home water usage.

6. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. This can also apply to shaving. Try using a sink full of water instead.

7. Buy a long lasting environmentally friendly shower curtain - don't buy a shower curtain that is made of plastic. Buy one that is machine washable and durable.

8. Use a strainer on all drains to catch debris and prevent drain clogs. If you do get a clog, use a metal snake to work the clog loose, not toxic drain cleaners.

9. You can separate your waste materials when re-modeling your home, and have them recycled.

10. Before you throw away your empty latex paint cans, leave the top off and allow the remaining paint to dry completely. Latex paint is not hazardous once it is solidified.

11. Clean refrigerator gaskets and vacuum the condenser coils twice a year. Your refrigerator will operate more efficiently and use less electricity.

12. Wrap your water heater in an insulating  jacket if it is located in an unheated space such as a basement or garage.

13. Use a toaster oven for small jobs. It will use a third to half as much energy as a full-size oven.

14. Arrange furniture to take advantage of natural light from windows. Place desks and reading chairs next to windows to cut down on the need and use of lamps and electricity during the day.

15. Switch to fluorescent bulbs in areas where extended lighting is required. Fluorescent lights last up to ten times as longer than incandescent bulbs  and therefore cost one-third as much to operate.

At House Smart Home Improvements we care about the environment. House Smart Home Improvements, serving the lower mainland in BC, provides you with professional installation of energy-star windows, doors, furnaces, heat pumps and more. 

Call today to discuss ways to make home improvements that will have an impact on your environment for future generations. Call us now at: 604-585-2020

Or visit us at www.housesmarthomeimprovements.com!

Make Old Toilet More Efficient / Replace your Water Faucet, and Save Precious Water

Here's Two Environmentally Friendly Ways to Save Water!

Make Old Toilet More Efficient
Typically older toilets hold anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons of water. The newer models are made more efficient by only using 1.5 to 3 gallons per flush. But not everybody can afford to buy a new toilet right away. And chances are you will need a plumber to install it. You can use this as a temporary fix to permanently save money. This really costs nothing and can save loads on the energy bills.

How to:
• Get a clean, used 12 oz. plastic water bottle or two. Be sure to remove any paper or exterior labels.
• Fill your dry water bottle with sand.
• Place the lid on the water bottle and be sure bottle is dry and sealed.
• Remove the lid to the water tank on your toilet.
• Flush your toilet so that the tank is nearly empty and immediately place your filled bottle(s) into the tank.
• Check to ensure that the bottle is not floating and is not blocking your stopper. Additionally, verify that the water is properly shutting off when the tank is full. Replace the lid on the toilet water tank.
• If your tank is larger, you can try a larger bottle.

For more on this project, go to EHow.com and see this Associated Content article. Copyright 2010 CBS. All rights reserved.

Updated Bathroom Faucet
A simple faucet replacement can easily update the look of a bath or kitchen without having to spend a fortune. Faucets run anywhere from $30 and up and can be installed in less than an hour.

How to:
• Using a wrench, take the old faucet from the sink and take it to the store with you to be sure to purchase a proper replacement
• Remove any old plumber's putty or caulk
• Add new faucet with gasket or plumber's putty
• Add Teflon tape to the hookups for a tight fit
• Tighten down the nuts being careful not to twist the hookups.

The most important thing to keep you from running back and forth to the hardware store is to make sure you have the proper size. I recommend taking the old one off and taking it with you to the store. You'll need an adjustable wrench and this basin wrench to get up into the tight spaces. Make sure you have turned off the water supply and drained out the sink before you do this or you'll end up with water everywhere. A TOOL WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD IS CALLED A BASIN WRENCH. IT COSTS $12.

For more on this project, go to Easy2DIY.com and DoItYourself.com.


Visit HouseSmartHomeImprovements.com today

Integrated Space Heating & Water Heating System Coming Soon!

Integrated Space Heating & Water Heating System   Coming Soon!
The complete system for home heating, cooling and water heating powered by tankless technology. Featuring  the new RHWB Hydronic Air Handler with a variable speed ECM-X13 motor for operational cost savings. For more information contact your Rheem representative - 


House Smart Home Improvements - 604-585-2020

The Good News is: You Can Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Almost 4.6 Tonnes Per Year.

  ....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.

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Photo: Home Depot

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.

To set up your Energy Audit and for a Free In-home Estimate, call or visit House Smart Home Improvements today:  604-585-2020

Are You Eligible for Both Provincial and Federal Grants?

As a homeowner, am I eligible for Government Grants to save money on heating costs, and make my home more energy-efficient? YES! Can I be eligible for both provincial and federal incentives? The answer is YES. Here is the latest information with common questions and answers about government grants in BC to upgrade your home and make it more energy efficient. Let's go green and save!

Blog provided by  - House Smart Home Improvements.
For a free consultation with answers to any of the following questions call us at: 604-585-2020

Eligibility

Can I be eligible for both provincial and federal incentives?
Yes.  You can be eligible to receive incentives from both the provincial LiveSmart BC and federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes programs as long as you meet other eligibility criteria for these programs. 

I have already accessed incentives from either the LiveSmart BC or ecoENERGY programs. Am I eligible for incentives through the current LiveSmart BC program?
No. In order to provide as many British Columbians as possible access to limited government funds the current LiveSmart BC incentives are only available to participants who have not previously accessed incentives through either the LiveSmart BC or ecoENERGY programs.

I have already had an initial (pre-retrofit) assessment but have never accessed incentives from either the LiveSmart BC or ecoENERGY programs. Am I eligible for incentives through the current LiveSmart BC program?
Yes, however you must have a new baseline energy efficiency assessment after April 1, 2011.  Only upgrades undertaken after this new baseline assessment will be eligible for incentives. You will not be eligible for another LiveSmart BC assessment subsidy for this new baseline.  The cost of your new baseline will be up to $325 plus taxes and travel in some areas.

Am I eligible to access LiveSmart BC incentives more than once for the same property?
No. Eligible participants can only participate in the new LiveSmart BC program once for each property they own.

Can I access LiveSmart BC incentives for upgrades to a rental property or a property that is not my primary residence?
Yes. As long as you meet other eligibility requirements, you can access incentives for these types of properties.

I participated in the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive program and the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program in a previous home. I now own a new home. Am I eligible for incentives under this program?
Yes. The first step to becoming eligible for incentives in your new home is to have a home energy assessment by a Certified Energy Advisor, like House Smart Home Improvements.

A previous owner of my home participated in the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive program and/or the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program.  Am I eligible for incentives under this program?
Yes. The first step to becoming eligible for incentives in your new home is to have a home energy assessment by a Certified Energy Advisor. To find a Certified Energy Advisor in your area click here.

About the program and how to participate

How do I apply for LiveSmart BC?
Your House Smart Home Improvements Certified Energy Advisor will handle all the paperwork in applying for provincial incentives after the post-retrofit energy assessment.
Is there a provincial maximum for energy efficiency?
No, there is no provincial maximum. You will receive provincial incentives for all eligible upgrades made to your home.
Are the incentives based on how much I spend for upgrades?
No. The amount you receive is based on the individual upgrades completed. A specific incentive amount will be calculated for each qualifying upgrade so the rebate is based on the total qualifying upgrades completed.
Does the new equipment I am installing have to have a higher efficiency than the original equipment to qualify for incentives?
Yes.
Must the new equipment I am installing be more efficient than the original equipment to qualify for incentives?
Yes.
Will I be taxed on the efficiency incentives I receive for my upgrades?
No.
How long will it take me to receive my incentive cheque?
The data used to process incentive payments for the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive program is initially processed by the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program.  This program structure allows significantly reduced administrative costs for the LiveSmart program, however, it also requires the LiveSmart program to wait to process incentives until after the file has been processed by the federal program.
Due to the reintroduction of the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program this summer the LiveSmart program has experienced significant delays in receiving customer data from the federal program.  The reintroduction of the federal program also required significant changes to the LiveSmart software system to calculate and process customer incentive payments.  Unforeseen difficulties with these updates have resulted in substantial delays to some participants’ cheques.  We apologise for any inconvenience these delays have caused. 
This matter is the Program’s top priority.  We are close to resolving the issues and expect to begin mailing cheques soon.  If you have not yet received your incentive by the mid-March please contact the LiveSmart call centre at 1-866-430-8765 for an update on the status.  The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program office will be prioritising customer payments by post-retrofit assessment dates, with the earliest customers being paid first.
Thank you for your continued patience on this matter.
When does the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program end?
This program currently has funding until March 31, 2013.
Can I participate in the LiveSmart BC program more than once?
You are only eligible to participate in the program one time for each property you own. Only participants starting the program on or after April 1, 2011 are eligible for the current incentives.

Building type eligibility

Does it matter how old my house is?
Yes it does. New construction is not eligible for the LiveSmart BC program. While any home that has had an occupancy permit for at least 6 months can become eligible, houses built before 1985 will benefit the most as they have the most potential for energy improvements.
Are mobile homes eligible for the incentive program?
Yes. Mobile homes are eligible.
I live in an apartment/condo complex. Am I eligible for incentives?
Multi-unit residential buildings are not eligible for the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program.
I am building a new house. Am I eligible for incentives and assessments under this new program?
No. The Efficiency Incentive Program only targets existing housing. However, BC Hydro and FortisBC have incentive programs for new housing.

The energy assessment

Why do I have to have an assessment to be eligible for incentives? What benefits will the assessment provide?
The home energy assessment:

• provides independent third-party energy efficiency advice for existing homes;
• handles the paperwork to ensure eligibility for incentives from the Province, Utility Partners and the federal government if the timing of upgrades is eligible;
• provides you with an energy efficiency rating label of your home that can increase the home’s resale potential by providing evidence of “invisible” energy improvements in existing homes;
• provides the home’s estimated energy consumption, energy efficiency recommendations and the estimated reductions in energy use should each recommendation be implemented; and
• allows you to make informed decisions on improving the efficiency of your home over the short- and long-term.

How long does it take to have an energy assessment completed?
The initial (pre-retrofit) energy assessment will take approximately two hours to complete. The follow-up (post-retrofit) energy assessment will take approximately one hour.
How much does an energy assessment cost? Is this cost reimbursed?
The total cost for an initial (pre-retrofit) energy assessment is up to $325.00 plus taxes and travel in some areas. The LiveSmart BC Incentive Program covers $150.00 of the cost directly to the assessment providers, so the cost to the homeowner is no more than $175.00 plus taxes and travel in some areas. Assessment providers are contractually bound to charge no more than $175 to homeowners for the base service of the initial energy assessment.
The follow-up (post-retrofit) assessment also costs about $150.00. The price of this assessment is set by the assessment providers and may vary. This cost is covered by the homeowner.  It is recommended that homeowners request a quote for the follow-up assessment, including travel, at the time of the initial assessment.
What quality assurance procedures are in place for Certified Energy Advisors?
Natural Resources Canada reviews customer surveys and files and conducts on-site reviews of Certified Energy Advisors.
Will I need to provide personal information? What privacy guidelines are in place?
Your personal information will be needed to process your grant application. Your personal information is protected under the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and under the federal Privacy Act. To coordinate incentives offered by LiveSmart BC and our utility partners, personal information will, if applicable, be shared with your utility provider to determine grant eligibility offerings provided by BC Hydro and FortisBC. Utility Providers are also required to protect your personal information.

Incentive Cheques for the previous LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive programs

I have completed my follow-up assessment under the previous LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive program.  When can I expect to receive my incentive cheque??
If you completed eligible upgrades and had a follow-up assessment under the previous program and have not yet received you cheque you can contact our call centre can investigate the status: 1-866-430-8765.


This information is directly from the British Columbia Live Smart BC Website, courtesy of House Smart Home Improvements. Visit www.HouseSmartHomeImprovements.com today, or call us at 604-585-2020.