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Beverly Campbell Manager, Residential Mortgages 403-331-5324 beverly.campbell@td.com |
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Article By: Jennifer Gruden
Going green – here are some ways to build or retrofit your home to save on energy bills.
We all hear a lot about reducing our “environmental footprint” – the amount of energy that we consume and the amount of waste that we produce. One of the best places to start is in our homes, ensuring that they use energy as efficiently as possible. Here are some of the ways to look at efficiency and what to consider in choosing or renovating a home.
What type of housing?
Before looking at materials and energy ratings, many people choose to look at which type of housing might both suit them and reduce energy use. Choosing a smaller condominium where one can walk to local shops is generally less wasteful than a larger home in the suburbs – but those aren’t the only choices. Situating a house where it is shaded in the summer, for example, can reduce air conditioning costs
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And if purchasing a new home, consider ensuring that it is a R2000 rated home. This is a voluntary programme where builders construct homes to certain efficiency standards. More information is available here.
But if moving or building from the ground up is not an option, here are some ways to make your home more energy efficient, particularly if you are thinking of renovating.
Building envelope
The building, or thermal, envelope is everything about the house that shields the living space from the outdoors. It makes sense that most energy loss would happen at these points. Here are some specific ways builders and renovators are making this envelope more efficient:
• Increasing the amount of insulation in the walls and roofs. This is one of the simplest ways to make a big difference in your home's efficiency – and your heating and cooling bills.
• Using energy-efficient windows (often double-glazed), and situating them appropriately. The typical home loses over 25 per cent of its heat through windows. Even with the newer better windows (and many are much more efficient), placement of windows is an important consideration. And in general, the best sealing windows are awning and casement styles since these often close tighter than sliding types.
• Sealing all openings through which air could leak in or out. One area to look at is around lights suspended or set into a ceiling which has an attic above.
• Reducing “thermal bridging” where non-insulated materials conduct heat outside the home.
• Ensuring there is a good vapor barrier to keep moisture from condensing in the wall
Passive solar design
Passive solar design in most homebuilding involves orienting windows and even the building itself to make best use of the sun. In Canada this generally means:
• Placing fewer windows on the north side
• Placing more windows on the south side
• Providing window shading on the south to keep rooms cooler in summer.
Heat, air, and cooling
While the building envelope and passive solar design both impact on heating and cooling, there are additional ways to make these more efficient. High-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners may seem expensive, but they can significantly reduce fuel and electricity costs. A heat pump system can make both more economical.
Ventilation is also an important factor. Air-to-air heat exchangers capture the heat from air being exhausted to the outside, and use it to pre-heat fresh air being brought into the building.
Lighting and power
Well-placed windows also help to conserve power by encouraging the use of natural light during the daytime. And the new energy-efficient light bulbs – which will become mandatory in Ontario – reduce
Choosing energy efficient appliances is also a must for anyone who wishes to conserve energy in the home. The EnerGuide rating system makes it easier to select an efficient appliance, but other considerations include not purchasing appliances that have excess capacity – a large fridge, for example, can be wasteful if you normally do not keep much food in the house. Natural Resources Canada provides a guide online here.
Water conservation
Water costs in housing can also be minimized through conservation measures. Some simple ways to minimize water use includes installing low-flow toilets and showers, and capturing rain water from roofs in rain barrels to use in maintaining your lawn and garden.
But another technique involves designing the home so that so-called “grey water” from showers and washing machines is used in toilets. This is more advanced design but can be an excellent way to conserve both water used and the amount of water going into the sewer system.
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Before you look for an architect or go shopping for a whirlpool tub, you should think about your renovation project from both a lifestyle and value-added point of view, says Bob Linney, Communications Director for the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
"Based on a recent study of home sales in Canada, homeowners spend an average of $32,000 after buying a home, most of that on renovations," says Mr. Linney. Their goal, quite often, is to increase the market value of their homes.
Deciding what to do
Spending your renovation money wisely means you must consider a variety of different factors, including:
• Lifestyle. "Think about how you want to live in your home and for how much longer," he advises. You also want to think about how your life may change. Is your family growing or are you about to become an empty nester?
• Neighbourhood. "Your investment should be supported by the neighbourhood you live in," explains Mr. Linney. "If, for example, houses are valued at $200,000 in your area, don’t spend $100,000 renovating your home. If you do, you’ll price yourself out of the neighbourhood."
• Functionality. "Plan your renovations for practicality and livability, and not for resale alone," he says. If you can’t make full use of your renovation, homebuyers won’t appreciate it either.
• Financing. With so many options available for homeowners — such as lines of credit and home equity loans — you may wish to seek professional advice to find the option that suits you best.
• Taxes. When the value of your home increases, your property taxes may go up too. Mr. Linney says that "property taxes have become the number one issue for homebuyers across the country."
Renovations that pay
Some renovations are more likely than others to pay for themselves at resale. Here are Mr. Linney’s top picks:
• Kitchens and baths. "Renovations to these two rooms generate the best payback," says Mr. Linney. "If you’re going to make changes for resale purposes, concentrate on these two rooms."
• Energy efficiency. "Invest in energy-efficient solutions such as upgraded windows, insulation, heat sources and water pumps," he advises. "This is especially true if your home is more than 25 years old." A March 2007 CREA survey of their members showed that homebuyers always ask about energy efficiency.
• External touchups. Make sure the outside of your home matches the style of architecture and finishes that are prevalent in your neighbourhood. “You want your home to fit into the area,” he says. "That means not adding a second floor when neighbouring homes are bungalows, and choosing an external façade (such as stonework) that is in harmony with other homes."
What not to do
Are there any renovations that aren’t a good idea? You bet — Mr. Linney cites two in particular to avoid:
• Putting in a pool. “"A big misconception is that swimming pools increase the value of your home. Usually they do not," says Mr. Linney. "Adding a pool, whether it’s in-ground, above ground, indoor or outdoor, can limit you to a very specific homebuyer."
• Overdoing it. He also stresses that homeowners should make functional improvements that appeal to neutral tastes. "Anything over-the-top when it comes to décor or style will probably turn off homebuyers rather than pique their interest," he says.
Get the right advice
To find out what renovations may make the most sense for your home, contact your REALTOR®. "Your REALTOR will give you advice as part of their services," says Mr. Linney. "REALTORS will know what features are selling in your neighbourhood and what is increasing the market value of homes there."
To learn the resale value of your home, visit www.barnesteaamhomes.com to find contact information for a REALTOR near you.
Smart renovations require smart insurance
Any renovation — from updating your kitchen to building a new addition — is worth a call to your insurance provider. Keeping your homeowner’s policy up to date is the best way to get the protection your need. When updating your policy, remember to include any new appliances, furniture or decorative items on your contents list.
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