Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of Canadian homes has improved greatly over the years. Thanks to major advances in building techniques and product innovation, today's new home owner can expect to use only half of the energy required for a similar home built in 1950, and at the same time enjoy a far more comfortable living environment.

Does this mean that new home builders are not concerned with energy efficiency any longer? No, far from it. While today's new home standards offer an excellent starting point, there are still many opportunities, large and small, to further increase the performance and the comfort of a new home.

Windows
Generally, double-glazed windows are standard in today's new homes. From there, homebuyers have a wide range of options for energy improvements. Common upgrades include low-E coating on the glass, inert gas fill between glass layers and insulating spacers to keep the glass layers apart-all designed to reduce the transfer of heat from the warmest to the coldest parts of the window. This also reduces window condensation and makes homes more comfortable. Other options include additional glass layers and improved frame design.

Some better quality windows carry an Energy Rating (ER) label-a plus or minus rating system that makes it easier to compare performance and relative heat loss. A few high-efficiency windows rate positive, which means they can actually contribute to heating your home through passive solar gain. Fixed, or non-opening, windows are generally more energy efficient than operable windows. Professional new home builders often recommend using different types of windows, with the most energy-efficient ones installed on the more exposed sides of the home.

Heating systems
Heating uses a significant amount of a home's energy, from 40% to 60% depending on the system. Options to reduce heating costs and increase comfort include high-efficiency furnaces, as well as more recent systems such as hybrid furnaces combining space and water heating; in-floor radiant heating, and "heating zone" controls.

No matter which system is chosen, control systems such as programmable thermostats with multiple set-back modes and other features can help to maximize your heating dollars.

Appliances
The amount of energy consumed by major household appliances can add up quickly, so choosing energy-efficient models can make a significant difference in anybody's budget. The EnerGuideTM label to compare energy ratings between models. For dishwashers, refrigerators and clothes washers, the EnergyStar® mark on the label identifies the most energy-efficient models available today.

Other opportunities
There are many other measures that can reduce your energy bills further, such as fans with timers; low-flow showerheads for the bathroom; energy-efficient lighting with automatic timers, and motion or light sensors for outside security lighting. All of these are readily available.

Source: Canadian Home Builders' Association