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Why is it important to select the right windows for my home?
When selecting windows for your home, it is important to consider how different glazing options will affect both the energy performance and thermal comfort of your home. A window’s ability to block or admit incoming solar energy is measured by its solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Solar gain from windows can be to the benefit…
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How do I ensure that my new windows will perform well?
In addition to choosing high quality windows and looking for ENERGY STAR® certified windows, follow these steps to ensure optimal performance of your windows: Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.
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What are the benefits of an energy efficient dishwasher?
Energy efficient dishwashers such as ENERGY STAR® certified models use 12% less energy, on average, than a standard model. Other benefits of ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers include: Other ways you can maximize your the efficiency of your dishwasher: You can learn more about ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers with Natural Resources Canada Did you see a…
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How should my crawlspace be insulated?
A crawlspace can be insulated two ways. The walls of the crawlspace can be insulated on the inside or the outside of the home, creating a conditioned space; or the floor above the crawlspace can be insulated, creating an unconditioned space. As a general rule, you should treat a crawlspace like a short basement and…
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How to upgrade your insulation if rats or mice are present
If you discover rats or mice (rodents) in your insulation it is important to eliminate the problem before adding more insulation. Rodents can be identified visually (evidence of tunneling in insulation or rodent droppings) or by hearing rodents moving around within walls or attics. Rodent tunneling creates holes in your insulation, impacting the effectiveness of…
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Are ductless dryers more efficient than ducted dryers?
Energy efficiency Ductless (Ventless) dryers are a more efficient than ducted dryers for a couple of reasons. Ducted (vented) dryers take in climate-controlled air from your home and pump it outdoors. This forces your furnace to work harder in the winter months, and your air conditioner to work harder in the summer months. A ductless…
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If I get new kitchen/laundry appliances, what should I do with my old ones?
Large appliances such as refrigerators and laundry machines can be recycled for scrap metal at transfer stations and landfills. In some cases you may be charged a small fee to recycle the appliance. Not all landfills are equipped to recycle refrigerators and freezers. This is because the refrigerant in these appliances contains ozone-depleting chemicals that…
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What are LED lights/bulbs and how do they save energy?
LED stands for light emitting diode. LEDs use a semiconductor to convert electricity into a light source. LED lights are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs because they require less watts to produce the same amount of brightness as standard incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs save money because they use at least 75% less energy than…
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My kitchen/laundry appliances are very old, but still work fine. Is it worth it to replace with new ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances?
When thinking about replacing your large appliances, energy efficiency should be play a role in your decision making. Energy-efficient appliances can help: ENERGY STAR® certified products meet strict technical specifications for energy performance. To find the most energy-efficient models for your home, visit Natural Resources Canada’s searchable product list or BC Hydro’s list of energy-efficient…
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Which heating system is best for my home?
There are a variety of factors that go into deciding which heating system is best suited for you and your home. The chart below summarizes some of the general differences between some of the most common heating systems. Please note that factors related to installation costs can be highly variable based on the size of…
