We just replaced our 30-something-year-old windows. Late last summer, during a particularly vicious thunder storm, with rain driving horizontally at our south facing elevation, one of the living room windows created an interesting fountain effect from water driving through the rotting wood.
With basins strategically placed, the decision to replace was irrefutable. The porosity of the windows also meant that severe air infiltration problems were clearly impacting on our heating and cooling bills.
Simultaneously, we made the move to replace the equally-aged furnace, water heater and air conditioning units with energy efficient models. Apart from being voracious energy guzzlers, the furnace, in particular, was close to giving up the ghost completely - not an event to entertain on a cold mid-winter day. I noticed an immediate drop in energy consumption after installation of the new HVAC system and I am looking forward to another drop in energy bills now that the windows have been replaced.
There are a number of other, less expensive, energy saving solutions that we will be implementing to impact positively on our family's energy consumption. These include caulking and weather-stripping around doors to eliminate drafts. Heat-generating appliances will be used at night during the summer months when temperatures are cooler. Cold water laundry washes will save on hot water consumption and air drying clothes conserve power. There is nothing nicer than the smell of laundry that has dried courtesy of a solar power. Ceiling fans will be installed to supplement the air conditioning unit - air movement helps to enhance cooling. By putting computers on standy and unplugging phone chargers and camera battery chargers we will conserve energy. Our programmable thermostat helps to avoid heating or cooling an empty house or closes off rooms not being used at all. air filters will be replaced regularly - dirty filters restrict air flow, increasing consumption.
Our next move will be to replace the front and side doors with more energy efficient models and improve insulation levels in the attic. The ceiling fans will be installed in the catherdral ceiling in the lving room - date still to be determined.
We are all capable of effecting small changes in our lifestyles to reduce gas and hydro consumption, which eases the stress and strain on our wallets and lightens the load placed on utility companies.
By Janice Naisby, Editor-in-Chief
http://homesandcottages.com
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Sherry's Review
Star Review
Review: Very professional, efficient..in and out in a day...new windows have brought our house into the 21st century. We will recommend HouseSmart to anyone who asks.
- Reviewed By: Sherry R.
- Review Date: 02 Nov 2012
- Reviewer Location: Abbotsford, BC
When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or furnaces and heat pumps, or to install insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades, give us a call. We do the job right. 604-585-2020
ENERGY
STAR tankless models have an EF between 0.82 and 0.99, making them much
more efficient than standard natural gas storage tanks typically found
in homes today. They also take up much less space, freeing up valuable
square footage.
Consider
a hybrid or condensing storage tank. Hybrids offer the best features of
a tankless model with the added convenience of a small storage tank.
Condensing storage tanks provide all the benefits of a traditional
gas-fired storage tank, but at a much higher efficiency. You won't find
an energy factor if you choose one of these technologies, but you will
find a thermal efficiency (TE) rating. Rebate qualifying condensing
storage tanks and hybrid water heaters will not have an ENERGY STAR®
label at this time (both technologies are currently under review to be
eligible for the ENERGY STAR label).