Energy Efficiency FAQs

What are the components of a well-ventilated home?

To ensure high indoor air quality, stale air (with higher levels of carbon dioxide), odors, and excess moisture should be removed from the inside of the home. All the air in the home should be refreshed with new air every four hours.

The green arrows in the image above shows the stale, or moisture laden air being expelled correctly through range hoods, fans, dryer vents, fire place inserts, and a high efficient heating sytem that is vented directly outside.

What are the benefits of an energy efficient home?

Energy efficient homes:

  • control the flow of air, heat, and moisture through the building
  • provide a healthy indoor air quality
  • keep garage pollutants out of the home
  • minimize drafts
  • maintain even temperatures in all seasons
  • require less maintenance
  • stay cleaner
  • use less energy
  • are quieter
  • produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions

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    Where does the energy go in a residential home?

    • Space heating 46 %
    • Cooling 1 %
    • Water heating 30 %
    • Appliances 17 %
    • Lighting 6 %

     

    What are the top five energy efficiency upgrades?

    1. Improve the insulation in your attic, walls, basement and crawlspace
    2. Upgrade your heating system to a high efficiency Energy Star-rated model.
    3. Upgrade your hot water heating system to the most efficient possible and install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
    4. Make your home as airtight as possible with air sealing and weather stripping while also adding proper ventilation systems.  
    5. Apply for related grants and incentives to help you lower the up-front cost of your renovations.

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