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How do I know if I have enough insulation in my attic?
If you live in an older home it may be under-insulated. There are a several ways to check if you have enough insulation in your attic. Your ability to check you insulation level yourself will depend on the type of the attic/roof and accessibility to the attic. Walking around in your attic is generally not…
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Can I draftproof my home too much and make it too tight?
Reducing the air leakage in your home through draftproofing (air sealing) and other home energy improvements such as installing windows can increase your comfort and reduce your energy bills. However, when air sealing your home, it is very important to ensure that your home is still getting an adequate supply of fresh air. As part…
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How do I know if my heating and/or cooling system is properly sized for my home?
To ensure optimal energy performance and comfort for your home, it’s important to install appropriately sized equipment that will heat and/or cool your home sufficiently. Keep in mind that newly retrofitted homes may have smaller heating and cooling needs than they did prior to upgrades and renovations, particularly if you are making changes to your…
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What is combustion spillage and how can it be tested?
Combustion spillage is a term used to describe the unwanted flow of combustion gases into your home. The quantities involved are usually small; however, combustion spillage is a serious health hazard and should be dealt with as soon as possible. If your home has any of these combustion appliances you may have risk of combustion…
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Should my windows have an ENERGY STAR label?
If your new windows arrive without an ENERGY STAR® label or other documentation confirming ENERGY STAR® qualification, they can still be eligible for rebates. Your newly installed windows must hold the mark of one of the five certification bodies and meet the Program’s U-factor requirements. Windows must be certified with one of the following certification bodies:…
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My new windows are ENERGY STAR certified in the United States; are they also certified for my climate zone in Canada?
This will depend on whether the window manufacturer has the same model certified in Canada. Some ENERGY STAR® windows have a label that displays a climate zone map of both Canada and the USA. If the shaded area of the map overlays the region where you live, the windows are certified in your climate zone.…
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My new windows didn’t come with ENERGY STAR labels, do they qualify for rebate programs?
For the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program, newly installed windows do not need to be ENERGY STAR® certified in order to be eligible. However, your new windows must have a label from one of the five certification bodies to qualify. If your new windows arrive without a label and other documentation does…
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What are these labels that I have on my windows?
Newly installed high-performance windows should come with a label from one of the following certification bodies: Your label highlights important performance features of the window including: For more information about window labels, visit Natural Resources Canada. *Windows with a U-factor greater than 1.22 W/m²-K will not have an ENERGY STAR® rating on the label. Did…
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How do I know if my new windows are ENERGY STAR certified for my climate zone?
All ENERGY STAR® certified windows will come with an ENERGY STAR® label. The ENERGY STAR® label will include a climate zone map of Canada and indicate which climate zone the window model is certified for. Refer to the sample label below, and visit Natural Resources Canada for more information about ENERGY STAR® windows. Did you…
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I have a heritage home, should I install new windows or storm windows for my original windows?
One of the defining aspects of a heritage home’s character can be its windows. If you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home and preserve its heritage aesthetic, considering fixing existing windows and/or installing storm windows. If original wooden storm windows have been destroyed, you can install custom storm windows made to order.…
