Did you know that Canada is the largest consumer of energy on a per capita basis? Despite having only 30 million residents, Canada is the second largest producer of greenhouse gases in the world, after the United States. It is clear that climate change is one of the key issues facing our planet today. We believe that everyone should be doing their part, no matter how small, to help reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the health of Planet Earth.
When it comes to your home, there are a number of changes you can make to prevent unnecessary energy wastage, offset your carbon emissions and help contribute to a greener planet. Here are a few ideas:
How energy efficient is your home?
Before you start making any costly changes, have your home assessed by an expert to analyze its energy efficiency and identify areas for improvement with an EnerGuide home evaluation. The personalized report will advise you on which improvements are most important to improve your home’s energy performance and help reduce your energy consumption as well as your utility bills.
Energy efficient appliances
Choose energy efficient appliances, such as your washer and dryer and your refrigerator. A more energy efficient home will not only reduce the cost of your bills, but it will reduce your carbon footprint as well.
Change your laundry habits
When it comes to laundry, wash with cold water and hang to dry when possible. In the summer months, hanging your clothes outside means your laundry will be dry in no time! You also have the added benefit of the sun acting as an antibacterial and bleaching agent, removing unsightly stains on lighter coloured items. Of course, this is impossible to do in the winter! Instead, consider purchasing a drying rack to hang up your clothes inside instead of using the dryer, which uses a considerable amount of energy.
Install solar panels
It would be impossible to talk about going green at home without discussing the use of solar power! Solar power is one of the cleanest and most readily available sources of energy. Though they are expensive to install, the benefits of solar panels certainly outweigh the costs.
Energy efficient insulation
Making sure that your home is efficiently insulated is especially relevant in Canada due to the extreme temperature fluctuations we experience in this corner of the world. Install energy efficient windows. For a more cost-effective alternative, hang heavy curtains for added insulation to ward off winter’s chill and keep warmth inside. Light blocking curtains can also be drawn in the summer months to prevent your home overheating from the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Replace your light bulbs
Another way to reduce your energy consumption is to replace all your existing light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs not only last longer, up to 15 years in some cases, but they are also non-toxic and recyclable. Unlike standard light bulbs, which lose up to 80% of their energy as heat, LED bulbs are able to convert 80-90% of their energy into light making them hugely energy efficient. Their long life and energy saving properties mean they will save you money in the long run!
For more useful home tips and advice, make sure to follow Royal LePage Performance Realty on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Ottawa area, our team have the experience and skills you require to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Contact us today!
