Energy Saving Tips from House Smart Home Improvements : January 2014

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Replace Your Water Heater Program Extended Through December 2014!

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements
from Fortis BC

This great Fortis BC Rebate Program has now been extended through 2014!!
Replace your aging water heater with a qualifying natural gas ENERGY STAR model and you could save on energy costs, plus you’ll be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000.

Not sure which water heater is right for you?

House Smart Home Improvements offers
FREE In-Home Consultations!

Call House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604-585-2020

Why ENERGY STAR?

Heating water typically takes between 20 per cent and 35 per cent of your home’s total energy use. So it makes sense to install the most efficient model you can afford. Natural gas water heater efficiency is usually measured by an energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, gas-fired water heaters must achieve a minimum 0.67EF rating.

Keep the tank, add some savings

ENERGY STAR non-condensing storage tank models have an EF between 0.67 and 0.70 making them more efficient than standard storage tank models (typically between 0.50 and 0.62 EF) operating in many homes today. As these models aren’t as efficient as tankless and/or condensing technology, their price point is more affordable.
Some model numbers are similar, however, efficiency ratings may differ. Please check our qualifying water heater list prior to making your purchase. Note: the John Wood model JW850S40ES is 0.62EF and is not on our qualifying list. The John Wood model JW850S40ES2 is 0.68EF and is on our qualifying list.

Go tankless to boost efficiency

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.
Tankless models don’t store hot water, so they may not be able to meet many simultaneous demands like a storage tank can. Before deciding if you want to go tankless, consider the ways you use hot water at home, including appliances, faucets and the number of people using hot water at any given time.

Tankless not for you?

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).

Available rebates

Water heater type	Efficiency rating*	Rebate
Storage tank	0.67 - 0.69 EF	$200
Non-condensing tankless	0.82 - 0.89 EF	$400
Condensing tankless	0.90 - 0.99 EF	$500
Condensing hybrid	90 - 99% TE	$500
Condensing storage tank	90 - 99% TE /.80 EF**	$1,000

*Ef - energy factor; TE = thermal efficiency
**Residential-grade condensing storage tank water heaters

Still not sure?

Deciding which technology is right for you can be tough. It’s a balance between how much you want to spend and how much you hope to save over time. You’ll likely pay more for a water heater with a higher EF or TE rating, but your utility costs should be lower.

How to apply

Review the terms and conditions on the reverse side of the application form.
Purchase a qualifying water heater and have it installed by a gas contractor registered with the BC Safety Authority (BCSA) such as House Smart Home Improvements.
Complete your application form and include a copy of the invoice showing details of all work performed, the purchase date, make and model number and the installation permit number.
Submit the completed and signed application with the invoice to:

ENERGY STAR Water Heater Program
FortisBC
PO Box 9090
Surrey, BC V3T 5W4
If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate. Please allow a minimum of 90 days to process.

Deadlines

0.67 EF, tankless, hybrid and condensing storage tank water heaters must be purchased between January 31, 2014 and December 31, 2014.
Applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.

Questions?

Call House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604-585-2020
Not sure which water heater is right for you? We offer FREE In-Home Consultations!

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. 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. 604-585-2020

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Is it Time to Replace Your Windows?

There are probably sexier ways to spend your home improvement money -- on a shiny new bathroom or a glamorous kitchen remodel with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, for example. But there are few things as rewarding as replacing your windows and front door, which can yield a variety of benefits, from lowered utility bills to better soundproofing and greater curb appeal.

There are obvious reasons to replace windows: the wooden frames are rotting or the glass is broken or fogged, transforming your charming historic home into an eyesore that sets neighbors’ tongues wagging. But there are other reasons for replacement that might not be as readily apparent -- or as galling to the neighbors.

For instance, single-pane glass windows, which are present in most homes built before the mid-1990s, are hugely energy inefficient and allow heating and cooling dollars to fly out the window and noise to cascade in. At House Smart Home Improvements serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the majority of customers are switching from single pane to double pane glass to gain more energy efficiency in their homes.

House Smart Home Improvements provides ENERGY STAR® labelled windows. Energy Star windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, and increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights offer greater savings than ever before. Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows lowers household energy bills by 7-15 percent. Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and shrinks a house’s carbon footprint.

ENERGY STAR® windows can reduce condensation and outside noise, reduce heating costs, protect from sun damage and fading, and increase comfort by regulating temperature in hot and cold seasons.

They are an excellent long-term investment in comfort and value for your family and your home. Call House Smart Home Improvements today to find out more. We offer free in-home consultations. 604-585-2020.

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. 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. 604-585-2020

Good Bathroom Lighting

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Lighting the Bathroom

Sconces above and beside a vanity mirror assure appropriate light for daily tasks. Place sconces near face height for the most flattering illumination and the fewest shadows. While task lighting is the most important type in a bathroom, pay attention to the other layers as well. Bathrooms with well-placed accent lighting can be more welcoming, and an overhead light on a dimmer switch is easier on the eyes during late-night or early-morning visits.

A Well-Lit Bath

A bathroom needs to look and feel different from day to night. In the morning, bright white light awakens and refreshes; while at night, a soft light can provide a spa-light mood or dimmed light can accommodate a late-night visit. In this bath, ample natural light supplements the overhead and task lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Mirrors keep the light moving throughout the space.

Bathroom Vanity Lighting Fixtures

Make your mornings bright by adding a beautiful light fixture above your bathroom vanity. In addition to serving as a decorative element that brings style to the space, these fixtures provide proper lighting for important grooming tasks such as shaving or putting on makeup.

Whether you're building a new home, gutting an existing bathroom, or just looking for an inexpensive way to update your space, you can find a vanity light fixture that's perfectly suited to your needs. They are available in a nearly endless variety of styles, sizes, and price points.

When choosing vanity fixtures, first assess how much light you need. Bathrooms without natural light from a window are likely to need more or brighter vanity lights. In most cases, a vanity fixture alone can't provide enough overall light for an entire bathroom. They are best used in conjunction with recessed or other overhead lighting.

Next, consider what size of fixture will look best in your space. When buying a bar-style or multiple-light fixture, a good rule of thumb is to pick one that's no wider than the vanity cabinet (it is OK, however, if the fixture is wider than the mirror). Long vanities might require multiple fixtures, and double sinks look best with a separate fixture over each. Sconces can be hung on both sides of a mirror if there isn't room above for a light. Or, they can be paired with bar fixtures to provide more light and prevent shadows on the sides of your face.

The vanity fixture you purchase should also coordinate with the decorating style of the bathroom or adjoining rooms. Select a finish that coordinates with other fixtures in the home. Popular choices include chrome, brushed nickel, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze.

When it comes to providing proper lighting, a fixture is only as good as the bulbs you use. A very bright light first thing in the morning can shock the system. Choose lower-wattage bulbs to prevent the glare of harsh light; dimmer switches can also be used to help control brightness. For the most flattering light, choose coated or frosted bulbs and select fixtures with frosted-glass covers rather than bare bulbs.

Whatever vanity fixture you choose, be sure it is designed for use in the bathroom. This will ensure it is waterproof and safe for the space.

From Kathy Barnes ... Better Homes and Gardens

This Blog brought to you by: House Smart Home Improvements -

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. 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 it the job right. 604-585-2020

Monday, January 13, 2014

Do I Need a Bathroom Fan?

Posted by Sound Marketing on behalf of House Smart Home Improvements

Bathroom Exhaust Fans are Hugely Important....

When you have a hot shower or bath this generates large amounts of excess steam and moisture, generally you will notice the mirror fogging up straight away! This steam and moisture will also collect on the walls and ceiling. If there is no means of this excess moisture escaping you will most certainly experience a build up of mold and mildew, which will have adverse effects on your bathroom, both visually and potentially structurally. Moisture will swell and rot wood, peel paint and wallpaper from your walls and slowly deteriorate plaster or wallboard. It will get behind tiles and begin to loosen them – basically inadequate ventilation spells the beginning of the end for your nice shiny bathroom!

Can't I just Open a Window to Ventilate my Bathroom?

No for a couple of reasons: firstly a open window will not provide the same level of air circulation as an exhaust fan. Secondly, its not always convenient to have a window open in the bathroom! You will be glad you have your exhaust fan on those cold winter mornings for example, or even on those rainy days! Not to mention the privacy issues (not ideal in a bathroom). By mechanically pulling air from the bathroom you will noticeably reduce the humidity level, therefore alleviating all of the problems mentioned in the above paragraph.

How to Pick the Appropriate Exhaust Fan:

The primary concern is to ensure the fan is appropriately sized for your room. A tiny little toilet will require a much smaller capacity fan than a multi cubicle bathroom for example. The basic steps required in picking out the correct exhaust fan are:

Determine what variant of exhaust is required and how it will be mounted (eg wall, ceiling, window etc)
Calculate the area being exhausted in meters (Length x Width x Height). This will give you a figure in m3 (cubic meters).
Multiply this with the number of air-changes required (8 for a subfloor/meeting area, 13-15 for a bathroom/toilet, 15+ for smoke exhaust). If you like to have long, hot showers or are concerned about steaming up the bathroom then please use a figure of 20 – 30 air changes per hour.
Determine whether to duct directly into the roof space, duct out through the roof or through a wall/eve. Most exhaust fans are ductable and in an ideal world you would have all exhausted air going straight outside via an external wall vent or roof cowl for example.

Thursday, January 16, 2014