Tips to make the home that you own or rent more environmentally friendly...
Many of the easiest ways to save energy
cost you little or nothing:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light. They use less power and produce less heat.
- Use natural lighting from windows whenever possible.
- Open windows at night when it’s hot out so you reduce the need for air conditioning.
- Put snow around the base of your house for extra insulation.
- Install a programmable thermostat to control heat or air conditioning when you are away from the house.
- Reduce dishwasher use.
- Hang your clothes to dry rather than using a clothes dryer.
- Install solar water heating or other alternative energy systems.
- Turn off the lights when not needed.
- Use lower wattage light bulbs.
- Turn off machines and equipment when not in use.
- Make sure you have no leaky taps.
- Use energy efficient settings on dishwasher and washing machine.
- Purchase biodegradable & non-petroleum based personal hygiene and cleaning products.
What’s the big deal about Energy Star appliances?
They use 37% less energy than a normal appliance.
Financial cost: On average an Energy Star front loading washing machine is around $900 compared to a top loading machine which costs $350! How do you justify this? According to statistic the amount of money you’ll save on your utility costs will make up for the difference within the first five years.
Most provinces have rebate incentives. See: “Save your money save the planet” for more information on incentives.
Compost toilet factoids:
Reduce wastes up to 90% (mostly liquid) by composting and evaporation. 10% turns into dry compost material.
They need to be emptied usually once a year. The compost is great nutrients for garden and flower beds!
Average cost is $1500.
Watson can help you manage and save energy!
Watson is a wireless unit that picks up how much energy your home is using.
Alternative Energy Sources
Solar energy can be used to heat our homes, water, electricity for lights and appliances. There does not have to be direct sunlight in order to create solar power. It is best to place solar orientation in the southeast or southwest, so make sure trees or buildings are not obstructing the way.
Passive Solar Heat
This works by simply using natural sunlight to heat a building. Uses landscaping to create sun pockets and reflective space around a home to naturally bring in heat, or can create wind barriers.
Definitely the most cost effective because there is no mechanical equipment.
Active Solar
Uses a solar collector and a pump or fan to distribute the energy.
Used best for heating water.
Summertime produces the most heat.
Can heat up to 50-60% of annual water supply.
Solar Electricity
When the sun’s energy is converted to electricity by a process called photovoltaic
An assessment of the electrical load is recommended before installation
The initial cost is high
Geothermal
Heating and cooling by using pumps that use solar energy that is stored in the soil and natural water bodies
Needs electricity to run the pump
Energy Source Comparison
| Type | Possible Advantages | Possible Disadvantages |
| Natural Gas |
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| Propane |
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| Oil |
|
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| Wood |
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| Electricity |
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| Air Source Heat Pumps |
|
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| Ground Source Heat Pumps |
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Financial Cost for Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades:
| Energy Efficient Solutions | Low Cost | Medium Cost | High Cost |
| Service & cleaning | x | | |
| Programmable thermostat | x | | |
| Low-flow shower heads | x | | |
| Water tank insulation | x | | |
| Improved sealing | | x | |
| Better insulation | | x | |
| High efficiency windows | | x | |
| High efficiency heating equipment | | | x |
| Heat recovery ventilators | | | x |
What are the benefits to
making your home more Eco-friendly?
- Comfort
- Health and safety
- Reduced operating costs and fuel requirements
- Increased building longevity
