If you’ve been thinking about renovating your home to be more energy-efficient, now is the BEST time! With the Ontario government rolling out so many benefits and tax breaks for energy-efficient homes, it has become an achievable dream. As your contractor, team YKC will help you every step of the way. Want to know more? Here’s how you can get started!
Here are 8 recommended ways to make your home more energy-efficient when renovating:
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Proper insulation prevents heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer. Many older homes in Ontario have inadequate insulation, especially in attics, walls, and basements, which shoots up the energy bill.
We start by choosing a high-performance insulation, spray foam or cellulose, for example. These materials are excellent at heat resistance and prevent any air leaks in the future. You’ll see a huge difference in your heating and cooling bills once renovation’s complete.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Heat escapes from draughty windows and doors, so we replace old windows with Energy Star-certified options of your choice. Double or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings that also block harmful UV rays are the best recommended. If your budget allows, look into upgrading exterior doors as well. We pack them with foam insulation or steel-insulated cores to keep drafts out and maintain a consistent temperature inside your home.
3. Switch to a High-Efficiency HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be the largest energy consumer in your home, so it goes without saying that you must switch it out. Ontario offers various rebates through programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which can help offset the cost of a new system. We’ve talked in detail about Ontario grants and zero-percent loans in this blog, check it out here!
4. Add Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is a no-brainer because you not only cut down your energy bills, but also can sell back excess electricity produced to your local provider for a profit. While the upfront costs are huge, you can get a zero-interest loan to pay it back.
5. Improve Lighting with LEDs
Replace old incandescent or CFL bulbs for LED lights, which use up to 75% less energy. They also last longer and emit less heat, which adds to your home’s indoor temperature during summer. For outdoor lights or rooms that you don’t use frequently, we can install motion sensors or smart lighting controls. Dimmers also are a great option, so you can control how much light is used.
6. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Many Ontario retailers offer rebates on Energy Star-certified models that use less water. And yes, they perform just as well as traditional appliances. Dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and dryers are all available in high-efficiency rating models. Many retailers also have an annual Ontario Energy Savings Rebate program, which helps you say money right away through discounts.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Small cracks and gaps in your home’s structure can let air escape. We’ll find and seal them up seamlessly. We also recommend weatherstripping for doors and caulking for windows to prevent air drafts. Your basement and attic might need the same work.
8. Install a Green Roof
Green roofs, though less common, are becoming popular in Kingston, Ontario. When you install a green roof, you add layers of soil and vegetation, which works as a natural insulation. They also absorb rainwater, which reduces runoff and keeps your home’s exterior walls look neat and tidy.
Ready to plan your energy-efficient renovation? Sign up for a free consultation with Team YKC today!
