Mar 31, 2022
5 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Building energy-efficient homes reduces the impact of climate change, improves your quality of living, and saves you money too. Whether you’re looking to build a custom home or purchase a new condo in a multi-residential complex, there are multiple features you can add to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Here are five ways you can reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
1. GO ELECTRIC WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the way of the future. With Canada aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by 12 megatonnes by 2030, making the transition to electric vehicles is key to meeting this goal. Did you know BC Hydro has partnered with the Government of B.C. and FortisBC to offer provincial rebates for buying and installing EV chargers at homes and residential buildings? Single-family homeowners can get a rebate of up to 50 percent of their EV purchase and installation, while apartments and condo buildings have three cohesive rebates to choose from.
2. GET BRIGHT WITH LED LIGHTS.
Did you know you can save up to 75% of your energy use by switching to LED lights? Considering the average home has 35-40 light sockets, switching to LED lights can save you significant money on your hydro bill, especially if you swap them all at once. LED lights also have a longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs (10-15 years to be exact), so you won’t have to change them as often. These days, LED lights come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours to suit your preference and design style.
3. POWER YOUR HOME WITH SOLAR PANELS.
While installing solar is a larger investment for your home upfront, the long-term benefits do pay off. On average, a solar panel system in British Columbia will produce approximately 1,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy per kilowatt (kW) installed per year. This means a 12 kW system could have a potential energy generation of around 12,000 kWh per year. Not only does this reduce significant costs to your energy bill in the long run, but you can earn credits for generating excess electricity, have access to rebates, and increase the value of your home. Most solar panels also have a 25-year performance guarantee, adding to their environmental value for reducing carbon emissions and carbon footprint.
4. REGULATE TEMPERATURE WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS AND DOORS.
Energy-efficient windows and doors are designed to maximize insulation in your home so heated or cooled air can’t escape. When it comes to energy savings, you can save up to 25 percent on your hydro bill with a properly installed, Energy Star certified window or door. The B.C. government also offers a rebate of up to $3,000 for making these upgrades.
5. SAVE WATER WITH HIGH-EFFICIENCY PLUMBING FIXTURES.
High-efficiency plumbing fixtures like shower heads, toilets, and aerators can help reduce the amount of water used and reduce electricity costs when it comes to water heating. In fact, the average B.C. household uses approximately $250 worth of electricity per year to keep water hot. Switching up your plumbing fixtures and practicing good water-saving habits (like shorter shower times), will help reduce your home’s consumption and have a positive impact on B.C.’s natural water resources such as rivers and estuaries.
Working together towards a greener future.
At Westmark, we know it takes a village to create a more sustainable future. As custom home builders and general contractors for multi-residential developments, we’re committed to building innovative homes that work better for the planet. If you’d like to learn more, check out our latest project, Cedar Ridge in Nanaimo, B.C. to find out how we’ve put these features into practice.
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